Revisiting the Removable Partial Denture

Abstract

The partial edentulous population is increasing because of an increasing aging population, increased life expectancy, and individuals retaining more teeth at an older age. Therefore, the need for fixed and removable partial denture (RPD) therapy will remain high and will continue into the future. RPDs provide minimally invasive, cost-effective, timely care, and are preferred to fixed dental prostheses using teeth or implant therapy in many clinical scenarios. This article discusses RPD classification systems to review basic concepts and special framework design considerations, and explores advancements in the field such as implant-assisted RPD, CAD/CAM RPD, and new polymer framework materials.

Keywords: CAD/CAM; Classification systems; Distal extension RPD considerations; Framework design; Implant-assisted RPD; Partial edentulism; Removable partial denture; Treatment considerations.