Aesthetic considerations for the treatment of partially edentulous patients with removable dentures

Treatment with removable partial dentures (RPDs) is an affordable solution for anterior or posterior tooth loss. In determining a proper treatment solution, it is important for the clinician to consider the patient's aesthetic expectations, socioeconomic situation, and the prognosis for the prosthesis and remaining dentition. This article presents guidelines to optimize the aesthetic result of this treatment and considers framework and clasp concepts; rotational path design; minimal extension of the denture bases; auxiliary attachments or retentive bars; and implants for retention and support of RPDs.