Removable partial dentures: The clinical need for innovation.
BACKGROUND
The number of partially dentate adults is increasing, and many patients will require replacement of missing teeth. Although current treatment options also include fixed partial dentures and implants, removable partial dentures (RPDs) can have advantages and are widely used in clinical practice. However, a significant need exists to advance materials and fabrication technologies because of the unwanted health consequences associated with current RPDs.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review was to assess the current state of and future need for prosthetics such as RPDs for patients with partial edentulism, highlight areas of weakness, and outline possible solutions to issues that affect patient satisfaction and the use of RPDs.


METHODS
The data on treatment for partial edentulism were reviewed and summarized with a focus on currently available and future RPD designs, materials, means of production, and impact on oral health. Data on patient satisfaction and compliance with RPD treatment were also reviewed to assess patient-centered care.


RESULTS
Design, materials, ease of repair, patient education, and follow-up for RPD treatment all had a significant impact on treatment success. Almost 40% of patients no longer use their RPD within 5 years because of factors such as sociodemographics, pain, and esthetics. Research on RPD-based treatment for partial edentulism for both disease-oriented and patient-centered outcomes is lacking.


CONCLUSIONS
Future trials should evaluate new RPD materials and design technologies and include both long-term follow-up and health-related and patient-reported outcomes. Advances in materials and digital design/production along with patient education promise to further the application of RPDs and improve the quality of life for patients requiring RPDs.
Professor and Head, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Director, Implant and Innovations Center, Director, Center for Digital Excellence, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, Ill. Electronic address: stephend@uic.edu.
Stephen D
SD
Campbell
Associate Dean for Research, Department Head, Oral Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, Ill.
Lyndon
L
Cooper
Professor Emeritus, University of Leeds, School of Dentistry, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Helen
H
Craddock
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Leeds, School of Dentistry, Leeds, United Kingdom.
T Paul
TP
Hyde
Honorary consultant in restorative dentistry, University of Leeds, School of Dentistry, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Brian
B
Nattress
Professor of Translational and Applied Health Research, Director of Dental Translational and Clinical Research Unit (DenTCRU), and Division Head of Applied Health & Clinical Translation, University of Leeds, School of Dentistry, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Sue H
SH
Pavitt
Consultant, Restorative Dentistry, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, York, United Kingdom.
David W
DW
Seymour
D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003764:Dental Materials; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D003764:Dental Materials