Elimination of retainers in anterior zone in removable partial dentures

Abstract

Partial edentulism, one or more teeth missing, is one of the most common dental problems that can be found in the population. It has multiple resolution possibilities depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. One of these options is the removable partial denture (RPD), which allows for solving complex clinic problems in a faster way and with a considerably lower operational cost compared to other treatment modalities. However, important discontentment has been reported among patients who have opted for this treatment. One of the discomforting factors for users of removable partial prostheses is the presence of visible retainers in the anterior area. In some cases, it could be possible to eliminate the retainers in the anterior sector, providing retention by mechanical friction and the choice of a removal axis.