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 1940s, 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.

Downward Force

As space opens under saddle, rocking motion distorts clasps and enhances hinging effect.

Where the Research Ends

Throughout the 1910s, 20s and 30s, 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 stressbreaker 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. Wolffs 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 by Dr. J.F. Warriner, Oklahoma City

Note the healthy mucosa over the tuberosities

Patient received Valplast Maxillary partial in December, 1985. Partial last adjusted in March, 1986. Photos taken May, 1997.

Case 2: 7 Year Partial

Mandibular Valplast Partial inserted in 1990.

Note gingival health and excellent color.

1989, Immediately prior to extraction

1997, After partial worn 7 years

Dense horizontal bone is apparent at same level as 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

Excellent esthetics

Teeth #21-25 are retained

Note the flanges are almost invisible

Maxillary Partial Denture

Mandibular Partial Denture

Instead of a metal clasp, Valplast partial dentures utilize a flexible nylon extension.

Special Applications

Oral Carcinoma

These thin Valplast flanges are less bulky and more 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
Athletes Police and Firefighters Military Personnel Prisoners and Prison Officers Any person who might be exposed to harm or injury

Valplast Partials are ideal for people in high-risk situations

Perfection?
Does Valplast solve all the problems of partial restoration?
We believe that no product can solve all the problems of partial restoration. The key is to solve as many as possible in a simple way that is affordable for the patient. We have focussed on improvements over conventional partials in Aesthetics, Function, Durability, and Longevity.

How Long Do They Last(Really)?

For realas 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 Procedures Submission 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 patients reaction to the first unfamiliar sensation

Adjustment Abrasives
Valplast partials are pink. But thats 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 ValClean 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 allValplast 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