Retainer design for unilateral extension base partial removable dental prosthesis by three-dimensional finite element...

Area of Science:

• Dental Prosthetics
• Biomaterials Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Mandibular unilateral extension base partial removable dental prostheses (RPDs) require careful retainer design.
• Retainer selection influences load distribution on abutment teeth and denture base stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate how different retainer designs affect abutment tooth load and denture base displacement.
• To identify the optimal retainer design for mechanical appropriateness in RPDs.

Main Methods:

• Three retainer designs (Akers, embrasure, rest/back-action) were analyzed using three-dimensional finite element method.
• Simulated vertical, oblique lingual, and buccal loading on the denture occlusal surface.
• Measured load on abutment teeth and displacement of the denture base.

Main Results:

• Designs B and C showed lower abutment tooth load compared to Design A under lingual and buccal loading.
• Design A exhibited the largest superior-inferior and buccolingual denture base displacement with buccal loading.
• Design C showed the largest superior-inferior and buccolingual denture base displacement with lingual loading.

Conclusions:

• Design A provided greater stability but resulted in higher abutment tooth load compared to Designs B and C.
• Retainer design significantly influences mechanical performance in mandibular unilateral extension base RPDs.