all-ceramic restorations
Valplast Flexible Partials

Written by Andrew Sedler

Written by Andrew Sedler

Written by Andrew Sedler

Valplast® Flexible Partials:
Planning for Case Success

The American College of Prosthodontics states that while 36 million Americans are completely edentulous, approximately 120 million are missing at least one tooth. Partial edentulism is poised to grow to over 200 million people in the next 15 years. Missing teeth carry several negative consequences, including coronary artery disease, some forms of cancer, and diabetes, to name a few.

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36 Million Americans are completely edentulous. 120 Million are missing at least 1 tooth.

--- THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PROSTHODONTICS

It is imperative then that edentulous and partially edentulous patients seek proper dental treatment to guard against these consequences. There are several ways to treat missing dentition – implants, fixed bridges, dentures, and partial dentures are all effective treatment options.

While there are pros and cons to each modality, removable options are prescribed mainly due to either physiology issues or financial limitations of the patients. The types of partial dentures are cast metal, acrylic, or flexible. Because partially or fully edentulous patients make up such a large portion of the aging population and this group is continuing to grow, removable options will continue to be a large part of dental practices as well.

Flexible Partial Dentures vs. Metal

Two of the most commonly prescribed partial dentures are cast metal and flexible partial dentures.

So what are flexible partial dentures?

Flexible removable partial dentures made of malleable materials adapt to movement, making them extremely comfortable. They do not promote gum issues, and with no metal clasps, make this partial blend into the mouth.

Valplast Flexible Partials - Flexible Partial Dentures

Cobalt-chromium or titanium is a biocompatible metal used for metal cast partials. One of the key disadvantages of a metal cast removable partial is esthetics since the metal clasps are visible. Also, metal removable partial dentures can cause oral galvanism, create problematic tissue reactions, and bone loss on abutment teeth.

Valplast Flexible Partials

A key issue in the success of any removable partial denture is in the proper planning and designing of the appliance. A poorly made removable partial denture contributes to increased caries, gingivitis, periodontal diseases, and plaque retention problems. Planning and communication with laboratory support are critical in making these restorative options successful.

Valplast Flexible Partials - Flexible Partial Dentures

With this understanding, Burbank Dental Lab is committed to providing products and services that support dentists in their efforts to ensure the proper modalities that fit their patient's individual needs. Our removable partial denture team is well versed in the manufacturing of many types of appliances, one great option in the area of removable partial dentures is Valplast® partial dentures. These are a great answer to those patients whose unique circumstances make a removable partial denture the best option.

Valplast® partials are flexible partial dentures that have been a successful treatment option since the 1940s. These partials provide a superior alternative to metal framework-supported removable partial dentures.

Valplast is an extremely durable thermoplastic biocompatible nylon material. The material is so durable in fact that the manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty against breakage of the denture base under normal conditions.

For patients, Valplast offers one of the most esthetic options. Patients are more discerning than ever when it comes to expectations of products and services. The internet provides almost limitless information on just about any subject, and this has created informed people with high expectations. Valplast partial dentures offer an excellent solution for those patients who want a reliable partial denture that is esthetically pleasing. With a variety of gingival colors and the expertise of the removable partial denture team at Burbank Dental Lab, Valplast partials and Valplast dentures blend seamlessly in the mouth without unsightly metal clasps.

Compliance is another issue clinicians face when dealing with edentulous patients. Whether it is a denture, a partial or any removable type of appliance, if it causes discomfort, the patient will likely not use it. According to Valplast partial wearers, this appliance is one of the most comfortable partial options available. The flexible nature of the material provides for unmatched functionality allowing the partial to integrate well within the natural environment of the mouth. This flexibility also allows for equal distribution and balance of the mastication forces throughout the whole ridge, which can lead to a longer-lasting partial.

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Clinical Requirements

  • The tissue bearing technique for retention means no tooth or tissue preparation is needed.
  • An alginate impression is required with an opposing model.
  • A wax try-in is recommended.
  • Before insertion, it is recommended to heat appliances up to body temperature. To do this, put the appliance in hot tap water for 30-60 seconds. The heat will allow the appliance to adapt to the oral cavity appropriately.
    • Because the clasps play a vital role in the proper retention of the appliance, it is essential to be careful when making adjustments to the clasp. Should an adjustment need to be made, please do the following:
    • If the clasp is too tight - Put in hot tap water for 60 seconds and bend outward then allow to cool.
      If the clasp is too loose - Put in hot tap water for 60 seconds and bend inward then allow to cool.
  • To polish a Valplast appliance, use a bullet-shaped, medium grit, straight handpiece silicone acrylic polisher. To polish a clasp, use a smaller point bur.

From time to time, it may become necessary to add teeth to a Valplast appliance. With the appliance in place, taking an alginate impression is easily achievable. Make sure the partial is seated in the impression and pour immediately. Send this to Burbank Dental Lab.

Also, if the partial needs to be rebased, take a rubber base impression. The patient's mouth should be closed for proper occlusion as the base material sets. Once it sets, go ahead and take an alginate impression. Pour immediately and send it to the lab. Do not separate the model from the denture.

Valplast flexible partial dentures offer an excellent option for replacing missing teeth and helping patients achieve oral health. These appliances are comfortable, esthetic, long-lasting, and provide a solution for those patients who need affordability. This material has been used in the dental industry for over 60 years and is a modality in which Burbank Dental Lab has extensive experience. Through proper planning and technical knowledge, contact Burbank Dental Lab's expert removable partial denture team to get started in making your next partial denture case a success.

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Fabrication
of the future
is here!

Burbank Dental Lab has three new state-of-the-art Carbon M2 printers. We are very excited about the options that these cutting-edge printers will allow us to offer our dental clients. Here are some of the advantages that these printers will begin to deliver to you and your dental practice.

Our New
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Carbon offers a highly dependable 3D manufacturing solution for many dental applications with its breakthrough Digital Light Synthesis™ technology, enabled by a wide range of dental materials.