Stressbreakers: a practical approach

The use of stressbreakers for removable partial dentures will doubtless continue to be controversial. Most of the data available for guidance are clinical trials and observations. It is not reasonable to expect a 100 per cent success rate for any biomechanical device. All available designs should be considered in order to choose the right treatment for the situation. When indicated and correctly executed, the 12-gauge chrome wire and the split palate stressbreakers have proved to be practical adjuncts to our treatment armamentarium.