REMOVABLE

PARTIAL DENTURE
RPDs are components of
prosthodontics ( branch of
Dentistry) pertaining to the
restorations and maintenance of
oral function, comfort, appearance,
and health of the( pt) by
replacement the missing teeth and
craniofacial tissues with artificial
substitute.

The Basic Objectives of

prosthodontic Treatment
1. Elimination of oral disease.
2. Preservation of the health and
relationship of the teeth, and the
health of the oral and para-oral
structure.
3. Restoration of oral function
(comfort, esthetic, speech).

Consequences of Tooth
Loss
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Aesthetics
Speech.
Drifting, tilting, over-eruption.
Loss of masticatory efficiency.
Loss of vertical dimension.
Deviation of mandible.
Loss of alveolar bone.


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

P.D may:
Give support to periodontally diseased teeth.
Restore vertical facial dimension.
Prevent T.M.J problems.
Prevent tooth drifting or over eruption.
Stimulate non-used tissues.
Support collapsed structure (muscles of lips
and cheeks).
Prevent attrition of remaining teeth.
Improve oral hygiene by preventing stagnation
of food in disused areas.

Classification Of Partially
Edentulous Arches
The

most familiar classification are

those proposed by Kennedy,
Cummer, and Bailyn, Beckett,
The recent classification has been
proposed for partial edentulism that
is based on diagnostic criteria.

Requirement Of an Acceptable
Method Of Classification
It should permit immediate
visualization of the type of partially
edentulous arch.
2. It should permit immediate
differentiation b/w tooth- supported
and the tooth and tissue-supported.
3. Universally acceptable.
1.

Kennedy Classification
4

basic classes.
Edentulous areas other than those
determining the basic classes were
designated as modification spaces.
Class I : Bilateral edentulous areas
located posterior to the natural teeth.
Class II : A unilateral edentulous area
posterior to the remaining natural teeth.

Kennedy Classification
Class III: Unilateral edentulous area
with natural teeth remaining both ant
and post to it.
Class IV : A single, but bilateral
(crossing the midline), edentulous
area located anterior to the
remaining natural teeth.

Principal Advantage
It

permits immediate visualization of

the partially edentulous arch and
allows easy distinction b\w toothsupported versus tooth-tissue
supported prostheses.

Applegate's Rules for

Applying the Kennedy
Classification

Rule 1 : The classification should

follow, not precede extractions.
Rule 2 : If a 3rd molar is missing and
not to be replaced, it is not
considered in the classification.
Rule 3 : If a3rd molar is present and
not to be used as an abutment, it is
not considered in the classification.

Applegate's Rules
Rule 4 : If a 2nd molar is missing and
not to be replaced, it is not
considered in the classification.
Rule 5 : The most posterior area
always determines the classification.
Rule 6 : Edentulous areas other than
those determining the classification
are referred to as modifications and
designated by their No.

Applegate's Rule
Rule 7 : The extent of the modifications
is not considered, only the No. of
additional edentulous areas.
Rule 8 : There are no modification in
Class IV.

Principal Of Partial Denture

Design

1.
2.
3.

Stresses acting on RPDs are

transmitted to the teeth, and to the
tissues of the residual ridges.
The stresses, which tend to move the
PD in different directions are:
Masticatory stress( Tissue ward movt).
Gravity( Tissue away movt).
Sticky food pull the denture occlusaly
(Tissue-away movt).

4. Muscles and tongue tend to displace

denture from its foundation.
5. Intercuspation of the teeth may tend
to produce horizontal and rotational
stresses unless occlusal is adjusted.

1.
2.
3.

Properly Constructed PD
:Must Have
Support: Resistance to vertical seating
forces( provided by teeth and mucosa).
Retention: Resistance to vertical
displacing forces.
Stability( bracing) resistance to
horizontal and lateral displacement.
All the above should be within the
physiological limits of the tissue
involved.

Designing Support
a. Tooth support: When abutment teeth
available at both ends of the denture
base( bounded saddle). It most
commonly obtained by occlusal rests.
b. Mucosa support: (mucoperiosteum
covering residual alveolar bone). It allows
varying degree of displacement.

The amount of displacement( tissue

ward movt) will depend on:
1. The amount of pressure applied.
2. The nature of the mucosa (thickness).

3. Area covered by the denture( the wider

the area the less the displacement).
4. Fit of the denture base.
5. Type of impression( anatomical,
functional, or selective pressure).
c. Tooth-mucosa support: ( Bilateral free
end saddle).

Posterior tissue support, and anterior

tooth support.

Designing Retention
Retention should be designed to counter
act dislodging forces( sticky food, muscle at
periphery of the denture, intercuspation,
gravity).
Retention is gained by mechanical means
1. direct retainers:
a. Intercoronal( clasps).
b. intracronal(percision attachment).
2. Indirect retainers.

 Physical

factors( cohesion, adhesion,

atmospheric pressure, surface
tension). it play a minor role RBD.

Designing Bracing and

Stability
Bracing( providing resistance to
lateral movt.of RBD).

Causes of tipping, rocking and

rotation of P.D.
1. Quality of supporting structure.

2. The tissue-ward movt. Of the free

end base create an axis of rotation
around which this appliance is
rotated.
This axis of rotation is called a fulcrum
line (it is imaginary line extending
between the two main abutment.

How to counteract lateral

shifting?
Bracing the sides of the teeth by
means of rigid clasp arms.
2. Use of continuous bar resting on the
lingual surfaces of the natural
standing teeth.
1.

Components Of RPDs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Major connectors.
Minor connectors.
Rests.
Direct retainers.
Stabilizing or reciprocal components
(part of clasp assembly).
Indirect retainers( if prosthesis has
distal extension).

Major Connecters
Major connector is component of the
PD which connect all parts of the
prosthesis directly or indirectly.
It provides the cross-arch stability to
help resist displacement by
functional stresses.

Characteristics Of Major
Connectors
1.
2.
3.

4.

Made from material compatible with

oral tissue.
It is rigid.
Doesn't alter the natural contour of
the lingual surfaces of the mandibular
alveolar ridge or of the palatal vault.
Doesn't impinge on oral tissue in
(insertion, withdrawal. Or in function).

6. Cover no more tissue than is

absolutely necessary.
7. Doesn't contribute to the trapping of
food particles.
8. Has support from other elements of
the frame work to minimize rotation
in function.
9. Contribute to the support of the
prosthesis.

Mandibular Major
Connectors
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Lingual bar.
Linguoplate.
Sublingual bar.
Lingual bar with cingulum bar
(continuous bar).
Cingulum bar (continuous bar).
Labial bar.
Lingual bar and Linguopslate are most
common used.

1. Mandibular lingual Bar

1.
2.

Indication: Where sufficient space

exist b/w elevated alveolar lingual
sulcus and the lingual gingival tissue.
Location:
Half-pear shaped, with bulkiest
portion inferiorly.
Superior border tapered, located at
least 4mm inferior to gingival margin.

4. Inferior border located at site of the

alveolar lingual sulcus where the pt
s tongue is elevated.
Finishing line: Butt-type joints with
minor connector for retention of
denture base.

Mandibular Sublingual. 2
Bar
It

is modification of lingual bar used

when the existing space not allow
placement of lingual bar.
The shape remain the same but
placement is inferior and posterior to
site of lingual bar.

Contraindication:
Remaining natural anterior teeth
severely tilted toward the lingual.
Characteristics and location:
1.
Half-pear shaped same like the
lingual bar except that the bulkiest
portion is located to the lingual and
the tapered portion is toward the
labial.

2. The superior border of the bar should

be at least 3mm from the free gingival
margin of the teeth.
3. The inferior border is located at height
of the alveolar lingual sulcus when the
pts tongue is elevated.
4. Functional impression is most.
Finishing line: Butt-type joints with
minor connectors for retention of
denture base.

Mandibular. 3
Linguoplate

1.
2.

3.
4.

Indication for use:

No sufficient space for lingual bar.
The residual ridge undergone a
vertical resoption which offer minimal
resistance to horizontal rotation.
Periodontally weakened teeth.
When future replacement of one or
more incisor teeth will be facilitated.


1.
2.
3.
4.

Characteristics and location:

Half-pear shaped with bulkiest portion
located.
Thin metal apron extending superiorly to
contact cingulum of ant. Teeth.
Apron extended interproximally to the
height of contact points.
Inferior border at ascertained height of the
alveolar lingual sulcus where the pt s
tongue is slightly elevated.

Mandibular Lingual Bar. 4

with Continuous
Bar( Cingulum Bar)

Indication for use:

1. When Linguoplate is indicated but
the axial alignment of ant. Teeth
prevent .
2. When wide diastema b/w
mandibular ant. Teeth.


1.
2.

3.

Characteristics and location:

Shaped and located same as lingual bar.
Thin, narrow(3mm) metal strap located
on a cingula of anterior teeth. Scalloped
to follow interproximal embrasures.
Originated bilaterally from incisal,
lingual, or occlusal rests of adjacent
principal abutment.

Mandibular Labial Bar. 5

Indication for use:
1. When a lingual inclination of
remaining MPM and incisors teeth
cannot be corrected.
2. Severe lingual tori cannot be
removed.
3. Severe tissue undercut.


1.

2.
3.

4.

Characteristics and location:

Half pear shaped with bulkiest portion
inferiorly located on the labial and
buccal aspect of the mandible.
Superior border tapered to soft tissue.
Superior border located at least 4mm
inferior to labial and buccal gingival
margins and more if possible.
Inferior border located in the labial
buccal vestibule.

Maxillary Major
Connectors
A. Single palatal strap
Characteristics and Location:
1. Anatomic replica form.
2. Ant. Border follow the valleys b/w rugae
at right angle to median suture line.
3. Posterior border at right angle to median
suture line.
4. Strap should be 8mm wide.
5. Confined with in an area bounded by the
four principal rests.

B. Single Broad Palatal Major

Connector

Indication:
1. Class I.
2. V or U shaped palate.
3. Strong abutments.
4. 6 remaining ant teeth.
5. No interfering tori.

Characteristics and location:

1. Anatomic replica form.
2. Anterior border following valleys of
rugae and at right angle to median
suture line and extending anterior
to occlusal rests or in direct
retainer.

3. Posterior border located at junction

of hard and soft palate. And
extended to pterygomaxillary
notches.

C. Anterior-posterior Strap
Indication:
1. Class I and II.
2. Long edentulous span class II MOD
1 arches.
3. Class IV.
4. Palatal tori.


1.
2.
3.

Characteristics and location:

Parallelogram shaped and open in
center portion.
Relatively broad(8-10mm) ant. And
post. Palatal strap.
Lateral palatal strap (7-9mm)
parallel to curve of arch. 6mm from
gingiva of remaining teeth.

4. Anterior palatal strap; ant border

not placed further interiorly than ant
rests and never closer than 6mm to
lingual gingival cervices.

D. Complete Palatal Coverage

Indication for use:
1. Situation in which only some or ant
teeth remains.
2. Class II arch with large posterior
modification space and some
missing anterior teeth.

3. Class I arch with 1-4 PM and some or

all ant teeth remaining, abutment
support is poor, residual ridge
extremely resorbed, direct retention
is difficult to obtained
4. No tori.


1.
2.

3.
4.

Characteristics and location:

Anatomic replica form supported anteriority
by rests seats.
Palatal Linguoplate supported anteriorly
and designed for the attachment of acrylic
resin extension posteriorly.
Contact all of the teeth remaining in the
arch.
Posterior border, terminates at the junction
of the hard and soft palate, extended to
hasmular notch areas.

D. U-shaped Palatal Major

Connector
Is used only in which inoperable tori
extended to the posterior limit of the
hard palate.
It is the least favorable design of all
palatal major connector( lack
rigidity).

Rests and Rest seats

Vertical

support provided by rests

(occlusal, incisal, or cingulum).
Rests located on properly prepared
tooth surface .
The prepared surface of an abutment
to receive the rest is called the rest
seat.

1.
2.
3.
4.

The primary purpose of the rest is to

provide vertical support for PD. It also
does the following:
Maintain components in planned position.
Maintained established occlusal
relationship.
Prevent impingement of soft tissue.
Direct and distribute occlusal loads to
abutment teeth.

Form Of Occlusal Rest and Rest

Seats
The outline form of the occlusal rest
should be rounded, triangular
shaped with the apex toward the
center of occlusal surfaces.
2. It should be as long as it is wide.
The base is 2.5mm for M and PM.
3. Reduction in marginal ridge is
1.5mm.
1.

4. It should be concave and spoon

shaped (no sharp edges or line
angle).
5. The angle formed by the occlusal
rest and the vertical minor
connector from which its originate
should be less than 90*.

Extended Occlusal Rest

In

mesially inclined abutment the

rest extend more than one half of the
mesio-distal width.
In severely tilted abutment the
extended occlusal rest may take the
form of an only to restore the
occlusal plane.

Interproximal Occlusal rests.

Intra-coronal Rest: It is used for both
occlusal support and horizontal
stabilization. Horizontal stabilization is
derived from the near vertical walls of this
type of rest seat.
The form of the rest should be parallel to
path of placement, slightly tapered
occlusaly, and slightly dove-tailed to
preve3nt dislodgement proximally.

 The

main advantages of the internal

rest are that it facilitates the
elimination of the visible clasp arm.

Direct Retainer
It is a clasp or attachments applied to an
abutment tooth for the purpose of holding
RPD in position.

Classification:
1. Extracronal direct retainer) casted clasp,
wrought wire clasp).
a/ Occlusaly approaching clasp
(circumferential) .
b/ Gingivally approaching clasps (Bar
clasps)

2. Intracronal direct retainer( attachments):

a/ Internal attachment.
b/ External attachment.
c/ Special attachment.
Component parts of the clasp:
1. Retentive terminal 2. Retentive arm
3. Reciprocal arm
4. Occlusal rest
5. Shoulder
6. Body 7. Minor connector

1.

Height of contour: is greatest

convexity of tooth.
The basic principle of clasp design
is encirclement to obtain more than
180* of continuous contact.
Types of cast Circumferential clasps:
Simple circlet clasp: widely used,
tooth supported PD, approach the
undercut from edentulous space.
Not used for distal extension.

2. Reverse clasp.
3. Multiple circlet clasp( combination of
two circlet clasps).
4. Embrasure clasp
5. Ring clasp; no buccal undercut. Isolated
abutment, lingually tipped molar, from
disto- buccal to disto-lingual undercut.
6. Hairpin clasp. when undercut is near to
edentulous space.
7. Combination clasp.

1.

2.

Bar clasp: Composed of two parts

( Gingivally approaching and
retentive tip)
Approach arm: It is a minor connector.
Semi circular in cross section, cross
the gingival margin at right angle.
Retentive terminal : it should end
below undercut.

Advantages:
1. Easy to insert and difficult to
remove.
2. More aesthetic, cover less tooth
structure.
Types of Bar clasps:
1. T-Bar clasp.
2. Y- Bar clasp.
3. I- Bar clasp.

Indirect Retainer
Apart

of RPD which assists the direct

retainers in preventing displacement
of distal extension denture base by
functioning through lever action on
the opposite side of the fulcrum line.


1.

Types of indirect retainer:

Auxiliary occlusal rest, most
frequently used, located far as
possible from distal extension base,
placed perpendicular to the mid
point of the fulcrum line. If this
perpendicular line ends on the incisal
area it is a voided, instead it
transfers to PM in both sides.

2. Canine extension from occlusal rest,

finger like extention(lug seat) from
the PM rest is placed on the lingual
slope of adjacent canine.
3. Canine rest.
4. Continuous bar retainers and
Linguoplate.

Denture Base

1.
2.
3.

Denture base defined as that part of a

denture which rests on the oral mucosa
and to which teeth are attached.
Ideal requirements:
Accurate tissue adaptation with
minimal change in volume.
Thermal conductivity.
Sufficient strength to resist fracture or
distortion under function.

4. Cleansability.
5. Ability to be relined if necessary.
6 Cost effective.
7. Low specific gravity.
8. Ability to achieve a good finish.


1.
2.
3.

Types of denture base:

Acrylic
Metal.
Combination.
Acrylic Resin denture base; mainly
used for distal extension PDattached to the frame work by
minor connector-with 1.5mm thick
to have a adequate strength.


1.
2.
3.
4.

Advantages:
Anterior teeth can be replaced at their
original position (aesthetic level).
Restore the contour of the edentulous
ridge.
Brings out the normal contour of the
lip and cheeks.
Can be relined.


1.
2.
3.
4.

Disadvantages:
May break on usage.
Tend to accumulate mucous
deposits and food debris.
Soft tissue irritation.
Allergy.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Metal denture base: mainly used for

tooth supported PD.
Advantages:
Accurate tissue adaptaion( better
retention).
Easy to clean.
Strong even in thin section.
Heat conductivity( physiologic tissue
stimulation).


1.
2.
3.
4.

Disadvantage:
Difficult to trim and adjust.
Over extension can injure the soft
tissue.
Poor aesthetic.
Difficult to reline and rebase.