Clinical application of removable partial dentures using thermoplastic resin. Part II: Material properties and clinical features of non-metal clasp dentures

• Published in: Journal of prosthodontic research Vol. 58; no. 2; pp. 71 - 84
• Main Authors: Fueki, Kenji, Ohkubo, Chikahiro, Yatabe, Masaru, Arakawa, Ichiro, Arita, Masahiro, Ino, Satoshi, Kanamori, Toshikazu, Kawai, Yasuhiko, Kawara, Misao, Komiyama, Osamu, Suzuki, Tetsuya, Nagata, Kazuhiro, Hosoki, Maki, Masumi, Shin-ichi, Yamauchi, Mutsuo, Aita, Hideki, Ono, Takahiro, Kondo, Hisatomo, Tamaki, Katsushi, Matsuka, Yoshizo, Tsukasaki, Hiroaki, Fujisawa, Masanori, Baba, Kazuyoshi, Koyano, Kiyoshi, Yatani, Hirofumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2014
• Subjects: Acrylic Resins; Dental Materials; Dentistry; Denture, Partial, Removable; Humans; Mechanical Phenomena; Metals; Non-metal clasp denture; Nylons; Physical Phenomena; Polycarboxylate Cement; Polyesters; Polymers; Polymethyl Methacrylate; Polypropylenes; Position paper; Removable partial denture; Resin clasp; Resins, Synthetic; Sulfones; Thermoplastic resin; Position paper; Resin clasp; Non-metal clasp denture; Removable partial denture; Thermoplastic resin
• ISSN: 1883-1958; 2212-4632
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpor.2014.03.002

This position paper reviews physical and mechanical properties of thermoplastic resin used for non-metal clasp dentures, and describes feature of each thermoplastic resin in clinical application of non-metal clasp dentures and complications based on clinical experience of expert panels. Since products of thermoplastic resin have great variability in physical and mechanical properties, clinicians should utilize them with careful consideration of the specific properties of each product. In general, thermoplastic resin has lower color-stability and higher risk for fracture than polymethyl methacrylate. Additionally, the surface of thermoplastic resin becomes roughened more easily than polymethyl methacrylate. Studies related to material properties of thermoplastic resin, treatment efficacy and follow-up are insufficient to provide definitive conclusions at this time. Therefore, this position paper should be revised based on future studies and a clinical guideline should be provided.