Removable partial denture design: a need to focus on hygienic principles?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to critically analyze important hygienic/secondary prophylactic and biomechanical aspects of removable partial denture (RPD) design.


METHODS
The literature related to traditional biomechanical design and open/hygienic design of RPDs was discussed by the authors at a 2.5-day workshop. The written report was circulated among the authors until a consensus was reached.


RESULTS
There is little scientific support for most of the traditional design principles of RPDs, nor has patient satisfaction shown any correlation with design factors. However, there is evidence that an open/hygienic design is more important than biomechanical aspects for long-term oral health. The biomechanical importance of some components is questioned, e.g., indirect retention and guiding planes. Alternative connector designs that reduce risks of tissue injury are described. Direct retainers and pontics are discussed in relation to the possibilities they offer for gingival relief.


CONCLUSIONS
Greater attention should be paid to RPD design principles that minimize the risks of tissue injury and plaque accumulation in accordance with modern concepts of preventive dentistry.
Owall
Bengt
B
Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, 20 Nørre Alle, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark. prosth.dept@odont.ku.dk
Budtz-Jörgensen
Ejvind
E
Davenport
John
J
Mushimoto
Eiko
E
Palmqvist
Sigvard
S
Renner
Robert
R
Sofou
Afrodite
A
Wöstmann
Bernd
B
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D006801:Humans; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D014093:Tooth, Artificial