Digital fabrication of flanges in removable partial dentures: a step-by-step workflow

Nor Faharina Abdul Hamid; Norlela Yacob; Solehuddin  Shuib; Rohana Ahmad

doi:10.31436/ijohs.v6i1.305

Authors

Nor Faharina Abdul Hamid Centre of Studies for Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Norlela Yacob Department of Prosthodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia.
Solehuddin Shuib School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Rohana Ahmad Centre of Studies for Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/ijohs.v6i1.305

Keywords:

computer aided design, dental technique, flanges, removable partial denture

Abstract

The fabrication of flanges in removable partial dentures (RPD) traditionally entails labour-intensive manual manipulation of materials such as wax to sculpt and shape the flanges according to the patient's oral anatomy. This method requires a high level of skill and precision from dental technicians to ensure the final prosthesis fits comfortably and functions effectively. While most RPD framework designs are now executed digitally, the arrangement of artificial teeth and flanges often remains a manual process. This is primarily due to the scarcity of suitable software capable of designing flanges using computer-aided design (CAD) technology. This report addresses this challenge by presenting an alternative approach to flange design using the CAD software of 3Shape Dental System. By utilizing the software's function for custom tray design, we developed the flanges with the aid of abutment teeth, artificial teeth and framework, thereby improving the accuracy of gingival anatomy in flange fabrication.

References

Akl, M. A., & Stendahl, C. G. (2022). Removable partial denture frameworks in the age of digital dentistry: A review of the literature. Prosthesis, 4(2), 184-201. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis4020019

Bilgin, M. S., Baytaro?lu, E. N., Erdem, A., & Dilber, E. (2016). A review of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture techniques for removable denture fabrication. European Journal of Dentistry, 10(02), 286-291. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1305-7456.178304

Chen, Q., Lin, S., Wu, J., Lyu, P., & Zhou, Y. (2020). Automatic drawing of customized removable partial denture diagrams based on textual design for the clinical decision support system. Journal of Oral Science, 62(2), 236-238. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2334/josnusd.19-0138

Fueki, K., Ohkubo, C., Yatabe, M., Arakawa, I., Arita, M., Ino, S. et al.(2014). Clinical application of removable partial dentures using thermoplastic resin. Part II: Material properties and clinical features of non-metal clasp dentures. Journal of Prosthodontic Research, 58(2), 71-84. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpor.2014.03.002

Ismail, E. H., & Al-Moghrabi, D. (2023). Interrelationship between dental clinicians and laboratory technicians: a qualitative study. BMC Oral Health, 23(1), 682. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-023-03395-z

Mousa, M. A., Abdullah, J. Y., Jamayet, N. B., El-Anwar, M. I., Ganji, K. K., Alam, M. K., & Husein, A. (2021). Biomechanics in removable partial dentures: a literature review of FEA-based studies. BioMed Research International, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5699962

Piao, X.Y., Jeon, J., Shim, J.S., & Park, J.M. (2022). A digital workflow for the fabrication of a milled removable partial denture. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(14), 8540. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148540

La Russo, L. , Muzio, E. L., Troiano, G., & Guida, L. (2023). Cast-free fabrication of a digital removable partial denture with a polyetheretherketone framework. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 129(2), 262-266. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2021.06.008

Takaichi, A., Fueki, K., Murakami, N., Ueno, T., Inamochi, Y., Wada, J. et al. (2022). A systematic review of digital removable partial dentures. Part II: CAD/CAM framework, artificial teeth, and denture base. Journal of Prosthodontic Research ;66(1):53-67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_20_00117

Touchstone, A., Nieting, T., & Ulmer, N. (2010). Digital transition: the collaboration between dentists and laboratory technicians on CAD/CAM restorations. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 141, 15S-19S. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2010.0353

Villias, A., Karkazis, H., Yannikakis, S., Theocharopoulos, A., Sykaras, N., & Polyzois, G. (2021). Current status of digital complete dentures technology. Prosthesis, 3(3), 229-244. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis3030023