The captive screw retained sectional denture

Sectional dentures, where retention is gained, not by flexible metal arms engaging "desirable" undercuts, have occasionally been described in the dental literature. The captive screw retained sectional denture described here is an effective replacement for one or two missing teeth in selected patients. It consists of separate labial and lingual sections, which, when assembled, provide an aesthetic appearance, functional occlusion and excellent retention, with a minimum of abutment tooth preparation and at low cost. The two sections are connected by a captive screw, which allows the sections to be separated for denture insertion, but which is tightened to join the two sections. Portions of each section then engage tooth undercuts to provide retention. The screw is loosened and tightened by means of a torque-limiting screwdriver. These dentures have a high level of patient acceptability, and do not appear to promote dental caries or gingival irritation.