Solving partial edentation by elastic prostheses - a viable alternative compared to partial acrylate prostheses

Abstract

Extended partial edentation is a condition that has an increased stage in the population, justifying the interest in the study of masticatory functions, retention and aesthetics. Flexible partial dentures are an alternative in solving partial edentation. The purpose of this work is to provide an overview of the clinical application of flexible partial prostheses as well as the assessment of the satisfaction of the patient wearing flexible partial prostheses regarding, their chewing ability, speech, retention and aesthetics. Material and method: The study group included 47 patients who had partial edentations restored or not. The objectives pursued were: gender distribution, age distribution and not least the determination of the degree of satisfaction of the partially edentulous patient by restoring the functions of the dento-maxillary apparatus regarding mastication, retention and aesthetics, the degree of acceptance of the prosthetic treatment adapted to the situation of each individual patient. Results: Almost half of patients consider good chewing with prostheses and excellent retention. Two-thirds consider aesthetics to be excellent. Conclusions: The use of flexible materials in the manufacture of partial prostheses is becoming more common as they have high resistance to fracturing. Flexible partial prostheses by Valplast can be used successfully because they adapt very well to the different situations encountered, depending on the particularities of each prosthetic field in the mouth cavity.