Use of removable partial denture with thermoplastic acrylic resin: a literature review

摘要

© 2023, Universidad del Norte. All rights reserved.Removable partial denture (RPP) is an alternative treatment when it comes to patients who have lost some dental elements, as they have the advantages of a relatively low cost and a satisfactory masticatory function. Furthermore, it is a good option when there is bone tissue loss, making dental implants placement unfeasible. Conventional PPR has a metallic fra-me that provides retention and resistance to the prosthesis, which makes it unpalatable to patients because it leaves the metal in the oral cavity evident. Many researchers, aiming to give back beyond function and aesthetics, are studying forms of presentation of PPR, thus emerging the flexible partial prosthesis (PFlex). PFlex is a partial denture made with ther-moplastic, resin metal-free and with flexibility, however its use, for many professionals, is limited only as temporary prostheses, but there are some clinicians who use PFlex as an alternative to conventional PPR. Thus, one of the questions constantly asked by scientists is whether it is possible to use PFlex as a definitive prosthetic alternative. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a literature review to assess whether the use of removable partial dentures with thermoplastic resin can be an alternative to conventional partial dentures, exposing the advantages, disadvantages, indications, contraindications, and the properties of the prosthetic material.