A survey of dentitions and removable partial dentures constructed for patients in North America

The prevalence of removable partial dentures in North America is not known. This study was designed to collect information about (1) the indications for, (2) the teeth to be replaced with, and (3) the type of major connectors used in removable partial dentures. Five commercial dental laboratories situated in different regions of North America were selected to give as wide as possible a view of the production of removable partial dentures. Each laboratory was asked to provide details of 300 consecutive removable partial dentures. Photographs (35 mm) of master casts and processed partial dentures were obtained for more than 1300 patients. The color slides were analyzed and the remaining teeth and types of dentures were recorded. The dentures were classified as follows: cast frame denture, acrylic resin denture with or without some wrought metal, and acrylic resin denture with some cast units. The major connectors were classified as one of seven alternatives in the maxillae, and as one of six alternatives in the mandible.