A technique for fabricating patterns for removable partial denture frameworks using digitized casts and electronic surveying

Abstract

This paper formed part of a long-term research project undertaken by the Medical Applications Group of PDR into the application of advanced design techniques for the needs of the dental technology profession; in particular the design and manufacture of Removable Partial Denture Frameworks (RPDs)

RPDs are used to carry artificial teeth, which provide aesthetic and functional restoration of missing teeth. RPDs are unique and only fit the patient they are made for. Therefore, traditional methods of production are labour intensive. The introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) and Rapid Prototyping (RP) into this field offers potential advantages, such as semi-automation, that would eventually lead to increases in production speed. However prior to this research, there was no published research in the use of CAD for removable partial denture frameworks.

This Journal article describes the first attempts at applying CAD techniques in undertaking prosthedontic procedures in the production of RPD frameworks. Procedures developed and discussed in this paper include the electronic surveying of a digitised dental model to replace conventional methods, which led to the design of an RPD framework based upon the surveyed model; this resulted in the production of a sacrificial pattern for casting in cobalt chrome. This research proved conclusively that computer-aided design could assist in the development of RPDs.

The work described research into the unique and innovative application of CAD in developing RPD frameworks and is significant in that this research indicated that CAD and RP techniques could be applied to the design and production of RPDs. This research triggered subsequent research by the authors into design technologies in the design and fabrication of RPDs.