1. Removable Partial Denture Framework Adjustment
Rudd & Kuebker
75% of frameworks don’t fit perfectly
Active - orthodontic movement
Adjust to make passive

2. Framework Adjustment Adjust without denture base
Adjust soon after fabrication
Prevent tooth migration

3. Video: Framework Adjustment

4. Clinical Adjustment Incomplete seating Usually binding on abutments
Use an indicating medium
Incomplete seating

5. Indicating Medium
Aerosol Sprays (Occlude)
Disclosing Wax
Silicone

6. Two-Dimensional Indicating Medium
Occlude (aerosol)
Thin & accurate
Not easily displaced
Can dissolve in saliva
Difficult to remove
Can’t tell how far from seating

7. Three-Dimensional Indicating Medium
Disclosing Wax
Sets immediately
Inexpensive
Shows how far from seating
Can stick to teeth
Can be distorted

8. Adjustment with Silicone Indicating Medium
Three dimensional
Minimal distortion
More expensive
Sets relatively slowly (~1-2 min)
Can tear or pull off the framework

9. Framework Adjustment Initial Assessment ‘How does the framework feel?’
No pulling or wedging
Active engagement of abutment teeth
Overall comfort of the framework

10. Framework Adjustment
Areas of abrasion on master cast may indicate areas of binding

11. Check Maxillary Beading
Ensure not binding on bony midline
Can cause entire framework not to seat
Use PIP to check
Will burn through if excessive height
Beading

12. Cautious Adjustment Differentiate between normal & abnormal contacts
Guiding planes
normal: long vertical areas of contact
broad areas of severe burn-through may indicate binding

13. Cautious Adjustment Avoid excessive force - bending
Heat generation could melt acrylic
Retentive tip of direct retainers
normal: burn-through
eliminate active clasp retention

14. Remake Poor Castings
Determine if casting fits similarly on the cast and intraorally
If not, final impression inaccurate
Make new impression

15. Framework Occlusal Adjustments
Fabricated on unmounted casts
Occlusal interferences usually present
Occlusal vertical dimension should be unchanged
Centric & eccentric contacts should be identical with or without framework

16. Framework Occlusal Adjustments
Highly polished metal
Articulating paper marks poorly
Check opposing occlusal contacts
Slightly roughen framework with air abrasive or rubber impregnated abrasive

17. Opposing Frameworks Adjust individually Then adjust together
Eliminate interferences between the frameworks

18. Occlusal Rest Thickness
If ≤ 1.5 mm after adjustment
Subject to fatigue
Possible fracture
May require additional tooth preparation & remake
Last resort - occlusal reduction of opposing teeth

19. Interferences on Retentive Arms
Minor interference
Reduce opposing cusp - last resort
Heavy contact
Lower height of contour, remake
Don’t relieve
Alters flexibility & fracture resistance

20. Physiologic Relief Used for Class I & II w. long g.p.
Normally shorter guiding planes
Triangular space below height of contour
Allow for release
Tipped teeth may only provide for long guiding planes (low h of c)

21. Physiologic Relief Distal Extension Cases
Guiding planes, minor connectors & lingual plates coated with indicator
Framework is placed in hyperfunction by pressing over gridwork

22. Physiologic Relief Relieve burn-through
Until burn-through occurs only on the occlusal one third of the guiding planes

23. Physiologic Relief Alternative
Prescribe 1° relief OR
Use physiologic relief, not both