Alternatives to Removable Partial Denture’s (Treatment Options )
Alternatives to Removable Partial Denture’s (Treatment Options )
1. No Treatment (Shortened Dental Arch)
– Most patients can function with a shortened dental arch (SDA)
– Requires anterior teeth + 4 occlusal units (symmetric loss) or 6 occlusal units
(asymmetric loss) for acceptable function (opposing PM =1 unit, opposing molars = 2 units)
– RPD doesn’t usually improve function if minimal occlusal units present
2. Fixed partial denture – requires abutments at opposite ends of edentulous space, more expensive than RPD, must grind down abutments, flexes and can fail if too long.
3. Implant supported prosthesis – most costly, closest replacement to natural dentition, less costly over long term
4. Complete denture (if few teeth left, with poor prognosis); if replacement of missing teeth is very complex or costly
Category: Prosthodontics, WIKI