Optical Impression and Removable Partial Denture: An Accurate and Actual Solution?

Introduction: This clinical case aimed at showing the designing procedure for Removable Partial Denture (RPD) framework from an optical impression. The patient presented partially edentulous mandibular arch (Kennedy Class III) where RPD was planned for economic reasons. Optical impression was chosen due to the presence of a strong gag reflex and a small mouth opening. The impression was then sent electronically to the dental laboratory. The RPD was then fabricated through Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing technology (CAD/CAM) using laser fusion technology for the framework. Discussion: The choice of optical impression is guided by several clinical and technical arguments. In general, conventional impressions are among the most anxiogenic procedures, which could disrupt cardio-vascular balance especially in elderly subjects. Moreover, with frail patients or in presence of strong gag-reflex, dental impression often requires specific care techniques, including sedation. From a technical point of view, the conventional fabrication of RPD is often a source of errors from both the practitioner and the dental technician. Thus, the optical impression and the digital chain could reduce the risk for error. However, the optical impression does not currently record the tissue duality, and does not provide anatomo-functional impressions. Therefore, this procedure focussed only on small gap extent for which anatomical impressions remain sufficient. Conclusion: From the practitioner’s perspective, the development of intraoral scans is also opening interesting prospects. However, further clinical studies are needed to validate this procedure.