Tag Archives: clasp

Precision Attachments

In dentistry, precision attachments are the functional mechanical parts of the removable partial denture made of plastic, metal or a combination of both. Precision attachment partial dentures can be used to restore arches where there are not enough teeth for fixed bridgework. They consist of two parts referred as the ‘male’ part that is fixed to a crown inside the patient’s mouth and a ‘female’ part which holds the partial denture. The male is machined by the manufacturer to fit the female with such precision that any male out of the box will fit any female with an exact degree of accuracy. All of the precision attachments in a partial denture are positioned so that they are exactly parallel to each other. The patient can insert and remove the partial dentures and the aim of the precision attachment is to give the patient maximum comfort and ease while wearing, inserting or removing. Continue reading

Types of Mandibular Major Connectors Part 1

The MAJOR CONNECTOR is that part of a remvable partial denture (RPD) that joins the component parts on one side of the arch to those on the opposite side. It is the unit of the RPD to which all other parts are directly or indirectly attached. Continue reading

Types of Maxillary Major Connectors

The first requirement of a major connector is rigidity.  This allows stresses that are applied to the partial denture to be distributed effectively over the entire supporting area, including the teeth, underlying, bone and soft tissue. Other components of a partial prosthesis can only be effective if the major connector is rigid. Flexibility allows forces to be concentrated on individual teeth or edentulous ridges causing damage to those areas. Continue reading

How to Recycle Partial Dentures

It’s time to replace your partial dentures. But what do you do with your old ones? It seems a shame to just throw them away. After all, they were expensive, and there are so many people who can’t afford dentures but need them. Did you know that there are over 3,600,000 sets of dentures produced around the world every year? And did you know that each set contains around roughly US$25 of precious metals? Unfortunately, because of the personalized nature of dentures, they are usually not recycled in such a way that they are given to another person to wear. There are some things, however, that you can do with your partial dentures other than just tossing them in the nearest trash bin. Continue reading

What Is the Difference in a Dental Bridge and a Removable Partial Denture?

When a tooth or multiple teeth are missing, there are a few options for the patient to replace it/them. Two of the most common choices are either by fabricating a bridge, or a removable partial denture (RPD). These two are different in terms of aesthetic and functional aspects, and hence, they have their own indications, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading