[Distal free-end removable partial denture fabrication in reduced interarch distance patients]

Reduced interarch distance, resulted from extrusion of antagonist teeth and/or down growth of alveolar bone due to long-time absence of natural teeth without adequate restoration in this area, is found in many cases. In such condition, it is difficult to fabricate a distal free-end removable partial denture with conventional resin base because of insufficient space for denture base resin, metal framework and artificial teeth, and the long-term prognosis of the denture is questionable due to minimized strength of the denture base. In this article, the authors demonstrate the clinical and laboratory methods and procedures for distal extension removable partial denture construction in reduced interach distance condition. Partial metal base in the insufficient vertical space area of the ordinary denture base is altered, the metal occlusal scheme and buccal resin facing are designed, instead of resin denture teeth. These designs provide strength, esthetic and masticatory function to the denture, and the denture base is convenient for future denture repair or relining.