Removable partial denture with molar uprighting spring: an innovative hybrid appliance

A 45-year-old female patient with need of fixed replacement of her missing teeth which were lost long time before. Posterior teeth were severally tipped bilaterally in the edentulous space. Hybrid removable partial denture with molar uprighting spring was fabricated for molar uprighting on both side tilted molars. After 3 month and 15 days of treatment with hybrid appliance the molar abutment were uprighted for fabrication of fixed partial dentures.

The objective in molar uprighting is ideal positioning of the molar which will eventually become an abutment tooth for a fixed prosthesis. The ideal position will provide an optimal periodontal environment for the molar. The prosthodontic advantages of molar uprighting via distal tipping include an improved line-of-draw if a FPD is being constructed. Concept of designing of appliances was based on our basic knowledge of forces for uprighting the tooth along with maintaining the function during the treatment period. Another advantage of this appliance was that it prevented supra eruption of opposing teeth during the period when the molar was being uprighted.

Uprighting of tilted molar is extremely beneficial for long term success of fixed denture prosthesis by using hybrid appliances in very short period of treatment without hampering the function of the patient during the treatment period which is very economical as well.