Impression Procedures for Metal Frame Removable Partial Dentures as Applied by General Dental Practitioners

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are crucial for restoring function and aesthetics.
• Accurate impressions are fundamental for successful RPD fabrication.
• Understanding current impression procedures in dental laboratories is essential for quality control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impression procedures used for conventional metal frame removable partial dentures (RPDs).
• To identify common practices regarding tray types, impression materials, and border-molding.
• To explore potential associations between impression methods and RPD characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving heads of RPD departments from three dental laboratories.
• Data collection over a 2-month period on 132 incoming RPD impressions.
• Recording impression procedures: tray type (stock/custom), impression material (elastomer/alginate), and border-molding use.
• Categorizing RPD types requested (distal-extension, tooth-bounded, combination).

Main Results:

• 111 (84%) of impressions utilized custom trays.
• 73 (55%) of impressions with custom trays used elastomer materials.
• Border-molding material was employed in only 4% of all cases.
• No significant associations were found between impression procedures and RPD type or dentist graduation year/university.

Conclusions:

• Custom trays and elastomer materials dominate current RPD impression practices.
• The low utilization of border-molding suggests a potential area for technique refinement.
• Further research is needed to establish best practices for RPD impression procedures to optimize outcomes.