[Rationale for fabrication of combination dentures]

The complexity of this type of restoration comes from the numerous clinical and laboratory steps required. Achievement of these prosthodontic restoration is based on a careful clinical examination, models mounted on an articulator, in centered relation and adequate vertical dimension. The models allow the surveyor examination, the teeth set up and/or wax up. Duplication of the teeth set up in acrylic will reduce the number of patient's appointments, and thus, the potential errors will be minimized. This acrylic teeth set up (A.T.S.) will allow: to keep the decided occlusal relationships; to visualize the teeth grinding to be made; to guide the tooth preparation; to take the abutment impression, in occlusion. Therefore: the final model; the vertical dimension; occlusal relationship; the aesthetic; and, the removable partial denture design will be available for the dental technician. Furthermore, in close to full denture cases (class I and large class IV), the A.T.S. can be used to take the impression, to achieve the framework, and to transfer the occlusal registration.