title: Turning points in removable partial denture philosophy.
abstract: This article discusses key turning points in removable partial denture (RPD) philosophy. Early advancements tended to focus upon improving the technical quality of the prosthesis itself. The beginning of the 20th century brought significant public pressure upon the dental profession due to consequences associated with poor quality fixed prostheses. The result was dramatic improvement and heavy demand for RPDs. Technical and efficiency issues conspired to temper this enthusiasm, eventually resulting in reduced respect for RPDs. By highlighting key writings and technical issues during these periods of change it is hoped the reader will gain a more precise understanding of the current status of RPD philosophy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA. michael.waliszewski@mu.edu
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Waliszewski
mesh_terms: D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology; D003735:Dental Casting Technique; D016734:Dental Clasps; D003779:Denture Design / Q000266:history; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000295:instrumentation; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed / Q000009:adverse effects; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable / Q000266:history*; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000209:etiology; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D010685:Philosophy, Dental / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States