A 13-year Follow-up Report of a Patient Wearing a RPD with the Superplastic Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Framework

• Published in: Nihon Hotetsu Shika Gakkai Zasshi Vol. 51; no. 2; pp. 340 - 343
• Main Author: Wakabayashi, Noriyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Prosthodontic Society 10.04.2007
• Subjects: provisional denture; removable partial denture; superplastic; titanium alloy
• ISSN: 0389-5386; 1883-177X
• DOI: 10.2186/jjps.51.340

Patient: A 50-year-old woman presented with difficulty in chewing. The patient exhibited a “difficulty score for prosthodontic care” of 32, with the oral status of Level IV. Occlusal reconstruction was planned by fixed and removable dentures. The superplastic Ti-6Al-4V alloy for the maxillary framework, and cast commercially-pure titanium for the mandibular framework were used to construct the prostheses. Discussion: Continued post-insertion observations have been carried out for 13 years. The patient is satisfied with the thin palatal coverage made by the superplastic forming. The occlusal rests and the connectors show acceptable fit to the abutments, enhancing the firm support and stability of the dentures, and thus contributing to the long-term preservation of the function. Conclusion: The Ti-6Al-4V framework revealed its advantages, while continued maintenance of the periodontal tissues appeared to be essential for preservation of oral function.