Dental Dentures

117 (Partial Dentures: Anchorage with Precision Attachments)

Emplloying anterior teeth as abutments for partial denture is often problematic. We do not practice the technique of preparing shoulders at right angles to the long axis of the tooth because of the difficulty encountered in attempting to remain in enamel, as required. Either the shoulder is too small or dentin is inadvertently exposed (Fig. 117).

118 (Partial Dentures: Anchorage with Precision Attachments)

It appears more practical to us to bodily encircrcle the tooth. This is achieved when the upper arm or shoulder of the clasp encircles the tooth more than one half of its circumference (Fig. 118).

Since such encirclement is often unesthetic when it occurs too far incisally, a more sensible preparation is again advantageous. The height of contour must be positioned further apically. Where and how much further apically is determined in the preliminary survey of the diagnostic model.