[Prevention: the success of a partial denture]

After the placement of removable partial dentures, additional caries and periodontal problems may arise in the remaining dentition. These problems are the result of insufficient oral hygiene. Oral hygiene may be hampered by wearing the removable partial denture. The design of the removable partial denture should be carried out according to modern concepts of preventive dentistry. Before placing a removable partial denture, the patient's mouth should be thoroughly healthy and the patient should be instructed properly on adequate oral care. Furthermore, the patient should be aware of his/her own responsibility for maintenance. If cleaning twice a day with fluoride tooth-paste provides insufficient protection, care can be supported by daily use of a fluoride containing antimicrobial mouthrinse. Little effect can be expected from professionally applied fluoride or chlorhexidine solutions.