Preparation for Clasps and Conclusion of RPD Framework Design
Posted on 04/12/2012
As our final blog post on RPD Framework design, we will conclude with some brief points regarding preparations for clasps and evaluation of rest/clasp preparations in the mouth.
For I-Bar clasps - a dimple preparation is sufficient. For Circumferential clasps, a groove should be prepared directly under the arm of the RPD when fully seated. The gingival lip of the groove should be removed.
It is, indeed, often difficult for doctors to prepare teeth for RPDs without constant and consistent practice. Regretfully, most dental schools today require only a few frameworks for graduating students and many students rely on their professors for the design. Few receive formal training after graduating. As a result, an increasing number of doctors rely on their lab for ideal preparation and design. While this is simply a fact of modern dentistry, there are some techniques that can help the doctor interested in preparing teeth for the RPD. These techniques include:
1. Rest preparation can be evaluated with soft, NON-STICKY wax. The wax can be pressed into the preparation recess and then removed and inspected for proper form.
2. Occlusal clearance can be assessed by having the patient bite on the wax and move into lateral excursions.
3. If time allows, models should be poured and surveyed in the office to ensure proper path of insertion and dislodgement.
4. Finally, after all teeth preparations are made, it is very important to polish the areas of alteration with rubber points and flour of pumice. Additionally topical fluoride should be applied at the time of preparation, seating and all recall visits.
For further discussion of frameworks including a terrific atlas of case designs, we recommend to purchase the book Atlas of Removable Partial denture Design by Dr. Russell J. Stratton and Dr. Frank J. Wiebelt published by Quintessence Publishing Co., Inc. in 1988. Much of our blog posts have been adapted from this excellent book.
Thank you for reading our blog on RPD framework design. We hope you enjoyed it!
For I-Bar clasps - a dimple preparation is sufficient. For Circumferential clasps, a groove should be prepared directly under the arm of the RPD when fully seated. The gingival lip of the groove should be removed.
It is, indeed, often difficult for doctors to prepare teeth for RPDs without constant and consistent practice. Regretfully, most dental schools today require only a few frameworks for graduating students and many students rely on their professors for the design. Few receive formal training after graduating. As a result, an increasing number of doctors rely on their lab for ideal preparation and design. While this is simply a fact of modern dentistry, there are some techniques that can help the doctor interested in preparing teeth for the RPD. These techniques include:
1. Rest preparation can be evaluated with soft, NON-STICKY wax. The wax can be pressed into the preparation recess and then removed and inspected for proper form.
2. Occlusal clearance can be assessed by having the patient bite on the wax and move into lateral excursions.
3. If time allows, models should be poured and surveyed in the office to ensure proper path of insertion and dislodgement.
4. Finally, after all teeth preparations are made, it is very important to polish the areas of alteration with rubber points and flour of pumice. Additionally topical fluoride should be applied at the time of preparation, seating and all recall visits.
For further discussion of frameworks including a terrific atlas of case designs, we recommend to purchase the book Atlas of Removable Partial denture Design by Dr. Russell J. Stratton and Dr. Frank J. Wiebelt published by Quintessence Publishing Co., Inc. in 1988. Much of our blog posts have been adapted from this excellent book.
Thank you for reading our blog on RPD framework design. We hope you enjoyed it!
