Top-down design and fabrication with digital technology of removable partial dentures incorporating custom abutments: A dental technique

Abstract

A novel design of removable partial dentures (RPDs) is described wherein custom abutments are incorporated into the RPD framework. The artificial teeth and custom abutments are designed by using a computer-aided design (CAD) software program. Subsequently, the RPD framework is designed and merged to the custom abutments in the CAD software program to form a single unit. This modified framework is additively manufactured in metal by using a 3D printer. Thereafter, the framework is adapted to the definitive cast and scanned by using a laboratory scanner. The scanned file is imported into the CAD software program, and the artificial teeth are redesigned. After fabricating each artificial tooth from a polymethylmethacrylate disk and artificial tooth and denture-base assemblies from a wax disk, the RPD is injection molded. This RPD design and fabrication workflow enables a top-down approach by prioritizing the shape and arrangement of the artificial teeth and facilitates their replacement.