The partial denture over a fixed guide bar appliance: a technique for restoring partially edentulous quadrants. Case report

Replacement of a number of lost teeth in partially edentulous quadrants has been accomplished using a technically simple Tissue-borne, Partial Denture over a Fixed Bar (PDOFB) Appliance. The appliance offers a similar degree of comfort and aesthetic appeal to that of a fixed bridge, but is specifically designed to reduce the high occlusal loads that normally are applied to the abutment teeth during mastication. It has been used where, because of the excessive distance between the abutment teeth, or because of the poor periodontal health of the abutment teeth, the construction of conventional crowns and bridges was contraindicated. The indications for, and the construction of such an appliance are described.