Swinglock removable partial denture and biting forces in partially edentulous patients. Comparison of individual...

Several studies have shown that swinglock removable partial dentures are effective for stability of the abutment teeth and the surrounding tissues including alveolar bone. This efficacy has been thought to be due to the dynamic structure of the swinglock attachment. Individual biting force was measured to determine the physiological efficacy of teeth splints by use of the attachment. The results showed that individual biting forces with the swinglock removable partial denture were 10-25% higher than those without the denture. Furthermore, statistical analysis showed that the individual biting forces with the swinglock removable partial denture were significantly higher. The swinglock attachment can stabilize partially edentulous dentition by splinting all residual teeth. In addition, when physical forces are applied to the abutment teeth and the artificial teeth, this attachment can deliver and distribute the stress to the other abutment teeth and alveolar mucosa. The present findings suggest that the swinglock attachment augments the ability to withstand physical forces such as those occurring during biting and mastication.