Edentulous patients suffer from obvious issues such as problems with mastication, bone loss, and low self-esteem. Edentulism has also been linked indirectly to other serious negative consequences including heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancers. The link to overall health is a key factor in helping patients seek proper treatment.
While there are several effective ways to treat missing teeth, removable options can be an excellent choice for some patients.
Dentures, partial dentures, dental implants, and fixed bridges are all effective in the treatment of missing teeth.
Removable options, however, are usually prescribed when there are either physiological issues or, more commonly, financial limitations of the patient. The number of patients in this category continues to grow, and finding treatment options that work best is growing along with it. Partial dentures offer solutions to many of these patients.
Flexible Partial Dentures
A flexible partial denture is made with a malleable material. The flexible material allows them to adapt during movement, offering comfort over other partial dentures. These prosthetics do not cause gum issues and blend seamlessly into the mouth because they do not have any metal clasps.
Metal Cast Partial Dentures
These partials are made using biocompatible materials, including cobalt-chromium or titanium. These types of partials have some disadvantages, including:
Advantages of Valplast Flexible Partials
It is important to note that proper planning is key to the success of designing a proper appliance. When these are poorly thought out and made, the following issues can occur:
Communication with Burbank Dental Lab and creating a treatment plan are critical to success. Several types of partials are available; however, one great option is the Valplast partial denture.
Valplast Flexible Partials
Valplast partials have actually been used in dental treatments since the 1940s. They offer many benefits over metal-supported removable partials. Valplast partials are made from a durable thermoplastic biocompatible nylon material.
The manufacturer of this material is so confident in its durability that they offer a lifetime warranty against breakage of the base under normal conditions.
Valplast offers patients one of the best esthetic options for a removable partial. The material comes in several gingival colors to match seamlessly within an oral environment. The absence of unsightly metal clasps (see image below) makes this a great option.
Clinical Considerations
As with any successful case, proper planning is essential to achieving the best fit and esthetic outcome. Of course, no tooth or tissue preparation is required because this appliance uses a tissue-bearing technique to provide retention.
Burbank Dental Lab will need an alginate impression and an opposing model. To ensure accuracy, we recommend using a wax try-in. After the appliance has been fabricated, the proper insertion method is as follows:
1. Heat the appliance
Heat the appliance to body temperature by placing it in hot water for 30-60 seconds. This will enable it to adapt to the mouth appropriately.
2. If adjustments are necessary for the clasps make them with care.
The clasps on the appliance are extremely important for retention. Making adjustments must be done with care. If an adjustment is needed, we recommend the following:
3. Polish the Valplast appliance.
Finally, to polish the Valplast appliance, use a medium-grit, bullet-shaped, silicone acrylic polisher. To polish just the clasp, use a smaller point bur.
After adjustments are made, the appliance is ready for the patient to use.
Patient Compliance
One of the biggest issues clinicians face when dealing with appliance therapies is patient compliance. If any discomfort is felt, the patient will likely not use it. This is true for full dentures, partials, or any other type of removable appliance.
Due to the nature of the Valplast material, it has been reported that patients find Valplast partials to be one of the most comfortable options. The flexibility of the material provides both functionality and unmatched integration within the mouth.
The mastication forces are equally distributed throughout the whole ridge, providing for comfort and a long-lasting appliance.
Adjustments to Valplast
If the partial needs to be rebased for any reason, simply take a rubber base impression. To do this you will need to do the following:
It also may become necessary to add teeth to a current Valplast appliance. To do this, you must do the following:
The Valplast flexible partial denture (see above image) is an excellent option for patients seeking to improve oral health. These appliances offer comfort, durability, esthetics, and affordability.
With over 60 years of success in the dental industry, Valplast is a modality with which Burbank Dental Lab has extensive experience and success.
Contact the expert removable partial denture team at Burbank Dental Lab to get started on your next removable case.
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