Flexibility is our Strength

Purpose Background and

Theory of Valplast Flexible Partials

Case Histories and Special Applications

Planning Successful Valplast Restorations

Why Valplast Flexible Partials?

In late 1940’s, people became more conscious of appearance.

Patients demanded more aesthetic dental restorations

Prevailing Dental Materials Metal and

Acrylic became standard but only for about 10 years.

Metal frame design became more scientific and standardized.

Limitations of Materials

Metal Frames display the clasps

The partial requires routine patient maintenance and modification to remain stable.

D ow nw ard Forc e

A s spac e opens under sadd le, roc king m otion d is torts c lasps and enhanc es hing ing effec t.

Where the Research Ends

Throughout the 1910’s, 20’s and 30’s, researchers acknowledged the damaging effects of rigid partials.

The research in removable prosthetics is replaced by research in new, more aesthetic, and more stable fixed prosthetic techniques.

New direction still leaves gap in economical and simple solutions.

Some Functional Issues

The Distal Extension partial is our greatest challenge, so we will focus on this

Free-End Design

The Distal Extension or Free-End Saddle restoration poses a greater challenge because it is partly supported by the tooth and partly by the residual ridge

The Forces

Fulcrum Line Axis

Longitudinal Axis

Lateral Force

The Goals of Partial Design

The goal of framework design is: Retain the Partial Support the partial

The challenge of Conventional RPD design is to balance the requirements of retention and support while minimizing damage to natural dentition and the supporting ridge.

One of our Better Options

Mesial Driving Force with RPI Clasp

Drawbacks

Requires precise guideplane prep

Very accurate surveying required

Modified or Altered Cast Impression recommended

Requires routine maintenance and reline

Fails easily with improper preparation

Where Valplast Comes In

Valplast came into development during this time

Improvements are intended to address process, functional and aesthetic limitations

Simple, safe and effective.

Thinking Beyond Design

The Valplast approach is to address the requirement of retention and support by leveraging flexible base properties with simple designs.

Advantages of Valplast

Aesthetics are obvious. The metal clasp is eliminated entirely

The natural translucency blends in with the gum tissue.

Functional Solution

Flexibility acts a stress-breaker to disengage forces on individual saddles.

• Balanced distribution of forces over the edentulous areas

• Elimination of unnecessary stresses on remaining natural teeth

Long Term Function Tissue Conditioning: The Flexibility of

the resin allows the partial to create a gentle stimulation of the gum improving circulation and tissue vitality.

Stress Relief: The Flexibility of the resin eliminates the fulcrum effects that produces a network of damaging stresses throughout a conventional rigid partial.

Wolff’s Law: Under normal physiological stress, bone mass stabilizes at normal levels. Under excessive stress, mass increases, and under low stress, bone resorbs.

Why no Vertical Stops?

The stop or rest is useful only in a rigid or semi-rigid frame as part of the support and balance structure.

The flexibility of the Valplast eliminates the need to balance stresses against tooth surfaces.

The flexible base is self-balancing.

Case Histories

All theories mean something only if they really work in practice. The following case histories illustrate a small sample of the practical results.

Case 1: 12 Year Partial

Photos provided byDr. J.F. Warriner, Oklahoma City

Patient received Valplast Maxillary partial in December, 1985.

Partial last adjusted in March, 1986.

Photos taken May, 1997.Note the healthy mucosa

over the tuberosities

Case 2: 7 Year Partial

Mandibular Valplast Partial inserted in 1990.

Note gingival healthand excellent color.

1989, Immediately prior to extraction

1997, After partial worn 7 years

Dense horizontal bone isapparent at same levelas before extraction

Case 3: 4 Year Partial

Partial inserted in 1992.

These flanges are very comfortable and esthetic

Note gingival health on labial and palatal sides of abutment tooth.

Typical Cases

Mandibular Partial Denture

Teeth #21-25are retained

Note the flangesare almost invisible

Excellentesthetics

Maxillary Partial Denture

Mandibular Partial Denture

Instead of a metal clasp, Valplastpartial dentures utilize a flexiblenylon extension.

Special Applications

Oral Carcinoma

These thin Valplast flanges are less bulky andmore comfortable than conventional acrylic.

Full Denture for Boney Tuberosity

The flexible flanges are excellent in cases

which have inoperable or large undercuts.

Aesthetic Correction

Flange provides gingival architecture,restores speech and improves mastication efficiency.

Special Needs Valplast Partials are ideal for people in high-risk situations

Athletes Police and Firefighters Military Personnel Prisoners and Prison Officers Any person who might be exposed

to harm or injury

Perfection?

Does Valplast solve all the problems of partialrestoration?

We believe that no product can solve all theproblems of partial restoration. The key is to solveas many as possible in a simple way that is affordable for the patient. We have focussed onimprovements over conventional partials inAesthetics, Function, Durability, and Longevity.

How Long Do They Last…(Really)? For real…as long as the mouth

undergoes slow, healthy, gradual change, the partial will remain functional.

Patient comfort is a good guide of function.

Only drastic or abnormal changes in the mouth require addition, rebase, or a new partial.

Valplast resin is created so that material failure does not become a factor in causing appliance failure

Indications

Valplast partials can be offered whenever a conventional partial is considered.

Additionally, Valplast can be used in most cases where metal and/or acrylic is not usable or preferable.

We have not encountered any limits to restoration with Valplast not solved by an experienced technician.

Indications

Numbers that Mean Something Valplast has a flexural modulus of

475 MPa at Body Temperature This is the appropriate degree of

flexibility for the partial to function in a predictable way WHEN DESIGNED AND FABRICATED CORRECTLY

Other flexible type resins have drastically different flexural properties and may not be usable in this application

Recap of Advantages

Aesthetics Confidence Durability Simplicity Reliable Lab Processes Clinically non-invasive Lab-Manufacturer Cooperation

Clinical ProceduresSubmission Guidelines Perfect Alginate Impression Bite Registration Try-In Insertion Adjustment Patient Care Instructions

Impression Technique

Alginate impression material minimizes compression of alveolar mucosa and muscle formations

Mucostatic Impression Required

Insertion Procedure

Partial must be immersed in hot water prior to insertion

Slight increase in flexibility minimizes the patient’s reaction to the first unfamiliar sensation

Adjustment Abrasives

Valplast partials are pink. But that’s all they have in common with acrylic. If grinding needs to take place, carbide burs and acrylic instruments should not be used. Instead, using a rapid, light shaving motion, use:

•Vulcanite Burs

•Green and Pink mounted stones

Stain Resistance

Valplast is Denser than Acrylic

Translucency will show surface deposits more easily

Polishing technique is critical to long term stain resistance.

Brown Tripoli must be used to smooth the surface properly.

Cleaning

We recommend the use of Val-Clean because it works better than anything available in drug stores.

Eventually, drug store cleaners will leave a film, and a dull, lifeless surface.

Consistent use of Val-Clean will preserve and even restore the intended appearance of the partial.

Repairs, Relines: Myth and Reality Teeth can be added either by

welding or injecting to Valplast partials

Valplast partials can be relined or rebased: both are laboratory procedures

Relines are less frequent with all-Valplast partials than with metal and acrylic or metal and Valplast combos.

Tooth Additions

Alginate impression with case in place

Remove any deposits, pastes, or lubricants before pouring model.

Counter model and bite Forward to laboratory for

processing Small welded additions can be

made at the clinical lab with simple equipment and proper training

Reline/Rebase

Rubber Base reline impression, closed mouth

Pick-up overall alginate impression

Pour model and forward to laboratory

Making Millions Smile