SIUST, College of Dentistry

Removable Prosthodontics II

Acrylic Removable Partial Dentures

It is a dental prosthesis which artificially supplied teeth and associated
structures in a partially edentulous arch, made of acrylic resin (polymethyl-
methacrylate), and can be removed from the mouth and replaced at will.
They could be:

1. Temporary (Interim) R.P.D. is a dental prosthesis used for a short

time for reasons of:

i. Esthetics

ii. Mastication

iii. Occlusal support

iv. Conditioning the patient to accept

an artificial substitute for missing
natural teeth until a more definite prosthetic dental treatment can be
provided.

2. Transitional R.P.D. serves as a temporary prosthesis and to which

more artificial teeth will be added as more teeth are lost, and will be
replaced after post-extraction tissue
changes have occurred.

3. Treatment R.P.D. is used for the

purpose of treating or conditioning
the tissues which are called upon to
support and retain a denture base.

4. Immediate P.D. is a dental prosthesis used to replace one or more

teeth and is inserted on the day of extraction of the tooth or teeth. It is
constructed before the extraction of unwanted teeth and is inserted
immediately after their removal.

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SIUST, College of Dentistry
Removable Prosthodontics II

Advantages:

1. Not expensive.

2. Light in weight.

3. Simpler design.

4. Easily constructed.

5. Easily added if a present natural tooth is extracted.

6. Easily relined if bone has been resorbed.

7. Easily repaired if fractured.

8. Good appearance if extended labially or buccally because its

colour resembles that of the gingivae.

9. Easily adjusted by grinding at chair side.

Interproximal tooth extensions and

regions where marginal gingiva is
crossed by the prosthesis should be
carefully adjusted (outlined in red).

Disadvantages:

1. Less patient response and tolerance for acrylic dentures than

metallic denture.

2. Poor thermal conductivity.

3. Lower strength, therefore easily broken, so must be constructed in

thick sections, resulting in larger denture.

4. Tendency for warpage if over-heated during polishing or during

recurring in (repair or reline).

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SIUST, College of Dentistry
Removable Prosthodontics II

5. Design difficulties, as:

i. Ideal tooth supported is difficult.

ii. Ideal indirect retention is difficult.

iii. Impossible to use more sophisticated component, such as

precision attachment & stress breakers.

6. Unnecessary tissue coverage, because of strength, retention and

inhaling or swallowing considerations.

Uses:

Temporary prostheses may be indicated as a part of total treatment for:

1. Sake of appearance.

2. Space maintenance.

3. Reestablishment of occlusal relationships.

4. To condition teeth & residual ridges.

5. To condition the patient for wearing a prosthesis.

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