Removable partial denture models and comunication among dentists and laboratory technicians in the city of de Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

• Published in: RGO - Revista Gaúcha de Odontologia Vol. 57; no. 3; pp. 273 - 279
• Main Authors: Carmem Dolores Vilarinho Soares de Moura, Eduardo Elviro Froner, Pedro Paulo Feltrin, Janaína Cordeiro de Oliveira Castro, Raquel Virgínia Zanetti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic 01.10.2009
• Subjects: desenho; design; planejamento; planning; prótese parcial removível; removable partial prosthesis
• ISSN: 0103-6971; 1981-8637

Objective: To evaluate the quality of models for making removable partial dentures. Methods: In this Study, 140 models were analysed in 05 dental prosthesis laboratories in the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, registered with the Conselho Regional de Odontologia. A form containing 14 closed questions was applied, and the data collected were submitted to statistical analysis using the SPSS program. The models were analysed under natural or artificial light and photographed for record and illustration purposes. Results: The results showed that in 100% of the cases the molding material used was alginate, and 93.43% of the models were poured by the dentist. Of these, 64.47% were poured in stone plaster and 36.43% in special plaster. According to criteria such as surface quality, reproduction of details, presence of bubbles and/or nodules, adequate reproduction of the edentulous area, 78.57% of the models were considered inadequate. The majority of the models (96.43%), were mounted in an articulator by the Dental Laboratory Technician, but only 1 dentist sent the record for mounting the models. The hinge type articulator was used in 97.14% of the mountings. In 94.29% of the cases, the planning and design were not executed by the dentist and in 87.86% of the cases no evidence of mouth preparation was found. In 80% of the cases, communication between the dentist and the Dental Laboratory Technician was done by telephone. Conclusion: Thus it was verified that the removable partial denture continues to be neglected as regards its clinical and laboratorial fabrication, through an excessive transfer of responsibilities from the dentist to the Dental Laboratory Technician and an inefficient communication between the two.