Lab Techniques for
Flexible Partial Dentures
Introduction to Flexible Partials
• Simple solution to provide a removable restoration
• No tooth preparation needed• No metal frame needed• Finished partial with one trip through the
laboratory• Injection Technique• Valplast Partials are repairable and relinable• Guaranteed not to break
Type of Material
• Valplast is a type of Nylon Thermoplastic• Injection Molded• Denser than acrylic• Lower Water Absorption than PMMA• Flexural modulus around 470MPa at body
temperature (making it both flexible and sturdy)
• In use since 1953
Lab Procedure - Overview
• Design, block and relieve master model• Duplicate stone model• Try-in (if required) or Set-up on Master• Transfer set-up to duplicate model• Wax with prefabricated patterns• Invest, Sprue, Wax Elimination• Process with Manual Injector• Finish and Polish
Visually Survey Model
• Visualize design• Aesthetics• Path of Insertion• Comfort• Accuracy of Model
Remove Discrepancies
Wrap-Around Clasp• Most Common
Clasp• Hugs Tissue• Minimal Coverage of
Tooth• Stability against
vertical and rotational movement
Design is made with Red Pencil
Split Wrap-Around
• Clasp Separated from Flange
• Similar to “Roach” Clasp
• Flexibility along Horizontal and Vertical Axes
Spur
Anchor
Maxillary Wax Relief
• Relief Wax placed along Buccal Periphery
• Necessary on All Maxillary Cases
Use Hot Wax for Relief
Mandibular Wax Relief
• Junction of clasp with saddle is more rigid area.
• Undercut toward periphery must be relieved
Blocking and Relieving
• Lingual Undercuts Relieved
• Interproximal Spaces Closed
• Obstructive Undercuts Removed
Final Preparation
• Beading Post Dam• Etching Design
Duplication
• Soak Model• Prepare Flask• Pour Gel• Let set 15 minutes
in air…• …and 15 minutes
in water
Waxing After Setup
• Use of Prefabricated Forms is Recommended to Insure Proper Thickness and Uniformity
Palatal Waxing
• Soften Palate
• Press to Position
• Seal all Borders
Buccal Waxing
Using Prefabricated Form:
• Cut Form to Size
• Press to Model
• Seal all Borders
Bottom Half Investing
Spruing
Top Half Investing
Top Half Investing
Teeth Prepared for Retention
Processing
Melting - 11 Minutes
Injecting
Let’s See That Again...
After Processing
Pre-Finishing
Econo-Cutter
Trimmer
Dark Grinding Wheels
Fitting and Rubberizing
Brown Rubber Wheels
Vulcanite Burs
Polishing
Polishing Motion is Important
Advising Clinician on Insertion and Adjustment
• Partial must be placed in very hot water (150°F or more) for a minute prior to insertion and allowed to cool to a tolerable temperature.• This process makes the partial as flexible as it
would be at body temperature. This minimizes adjustments
Adjustments
• Minor clasp tightening or loosening can be done by heating the clasp again in very hot water and bending it severely in the needed direction. This will purposely warp the area enough to change its position
• Grinding should be done as a last resort.• Use a Standard Green Mounted Stone (used
usually for porcelain) to adjust Valplast. 20K to 30K rotation and constant motion
Small Additions - Welding
• Using hot air welder and welding rod, build up a boxing in the addition site to secure a new tooth
• Select a matching acrylic tooth.• Break a porcelain tooth to obtain pins• Heat each of two pins in flame to cherry red and
embed in the partial half way (pin head protruding)
• Cure scooped stock tooth over pins using tooth-shade or pink acrylic.
Large Additions – Injection
• Wax new section on duplicate model to original partial
• Invest, Sprue, Wash out wax• Prepare bonding site with acid etch
solution (Val-Fuse Repair Liquid)• Inject, finish, and polish
Relines
• Take Putty Matrix to record tooth position• Strip teeth from partial (in blocks) while
duplicating the model.• Rewax new base using matrix to position
teeth• Invest and process using repair technique
to bond top-half exposed Valplast to new base.
• Finish and Polish
Clinical Prep for Tooth Addition
• Clinician should take overall alginate impression to lift out case
• Counter-model for bite• Before pouring the model, any deposits or
adhesives should be removed from surface or the process will lead to an unintended reline.
Clinical Prep for Reline
• Closed-mouth rubber-base reline impression.
• Pick-up overall alginate impression.• Counter not necessary