TOPIC: PRINCIPLES OF RPD DESIGN

🎯 KEY POINTS 

🔹Gillett Bridge consists of a partial denture that utilizes the Gillett clasp system. It is composed of an occlusal rest which is notched deep into the occlusal axial surface with a gingivally placed groove and a circumferential clasp for retention. The occlusal rest is custom-made with a cast restoration.

🔹Angle of gingival convergence is located apical to the height of the contour on the abutment tooth.

🔹Every denture is an all acrylic type of dentures which restores multiple edentulous spaces in the maxillary arch. There is minimal contact between the acrylic teeth and the abutment teeth to reduce the lateral stresses. The posterior most teeth are bounded by the wrought clasp which aids in retention and prevents distal tipping of the posterior teeth.

🔹Embrasure clasp is best used in Kennedy class II cases.

🔹Dr A.J. Fortunati was first to use dental surveyor.

🔹Surveyor is essentially a parallelometer which is used to determine the relative parallelism of two or more surfaces of the teeth or other parts of the cast.

🔹Microanalyser is a type of surveyor which electronically measures the amount of undercut.

🔹Cast should not be tilted more than 10° at the time of surveying.

🔹One of the most important functions of the clasp is to distribute the stresses.

🔹The main purpose of tilting the cast in surveying is to determine the most desirable path of placement.