IADR Abstract Archives
A Comparison of Cobalt Chrome and Polymer Removable Partial Dentures
Objectives: There is a significant health need to advance materials and manufacturing technologies for removable partial dentures (RPDs). RPD frameworks made from polymeric materials may offer patients a more functional and comfortable alternative to standard metal versions. Therefore, the object of this study was to compare the Ultaire™ arylketone polymer versus cobalt chrome frameworks.
Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 40 patients from 2 study centres in the UK and USA. Eligibility criteria required patients to have stable oral health, a maximum of 4 teeth absent in one saddle, at least one posterior occlusal stop and routinely wear a cobalt chrome RPD in one arch (fitted within the last 60 months). Clinical stages for construction of the denture followed standard prosthodontic techniques with working impression recorded using polyvinylsiloxane and adapted laboratory fabricated custom trays. Ultaire™ arylketone polymer (AKP) prosthesis were milled from the Dentivera™ Milling Discs using dental Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing systems (CAD/CAM). Following insertion of the appliances, patients were followed at 1, 4 and 8 weeks. Operators’ assessment of aesthetics and patient-centred assessments of comfort, aesthetics and chewing ability were made before and after fitting the new denture. At study completion, patient preference was recorded between the polymer versus chrome framework for continuing use.
Results: Comprehensive results will be presented of the cohort. Preliminary results indicate 79% of subjects preferred to continue wearing the polymer framework and 69% of operators recorded good aesthetics outcomes of the polymeric denture. Patients commented positively on the lightness and comfort of the polymer denture, although some had concerns regarding the light colour of the clasps.
Conclusions: Ultaire™ arylketone polymer frameworks for RPDs offer a viable and exciting alternative to chrome cobalt frameworks with a high degree of patients’ acceptance.
Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 40 patients from 2 study centres in the UK and USA. Eligibility criteria required patients to have stable oral health, a maximum of 4 teeth absent in one saddle, at least one posterior occlusal stop and routinely wear a cobalt chrome RPD in one arch (fitted within the last 60 months). Clinical stages for construction of the denture followed standard prosthodontic techniques with working impression recorded using polyvinylsiloxane and adapted laboratory fabricated custom trays. Ultaire™ arylketone polymer (AKP) prosthesis were milled from the Dentivera™ Milling Discs using dental Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing systems (CAD/CAM). Following insertion of the appliances, patients were followed at 1, 4 and 8 weeks. Operators’ assessment of aesthetics and patient-centred assessments of comfort, aesthetics and chewing ability were made before and after fitting the new denture. At study completion, patient preference was recorded between the polymer versus chrome framework for continuing use.
Results: Comprehensive results will be presented of the cohort. Preliminary results indicate 79% of subjects preferred to continue wearing the polymer framework and 69% of operators recorded good aesthetics outcomes of the polymeric denture. Patients commented positively on the lightness and comfort of the polymer denture, although some had concerns regarding the light colour of the clasps.
Conclusions: Ultaire™ arylketone polymer frameworks for RPDs offer a viable and exciting alternative to chrome cobalt frameworks with a high degree of patients’ acceptance.