A Treatment Protocol for Restoring Occlusal Vertical Dimension Using an Overlay Removable Partial Denture as an Alternative to Extensive Fixed Restorations: A Clinical Report

Abstract

Treatment options for patients with severe attrition resulting in reduced occlusal vertical dimension are often limited to fixed prosthesis to reestablish proper occlusal vertical dimension and functional occlusion. In some cases such as when there are limited finances, minimal esthetic concerns, and medical considerations fixed prosthesis may not be the ideal treatment option. Overlay removable partial dentures (ORPDs) can be used as a provisional or interim prosthesis as well as permanent prosthesis in these cases. While ORPDs can provide a reversible and relatively inexpensive treatment for patients with a significantly compromised dental status, there is not much scientific evidence in the literature on ORPDs. Most studies published on ORPDs to date are primarily reviews and clinical reports. In this article, literatures on ORPDs are summarized and a patient treated with interim and permanent ORPDs is presented. This article reviews previously published literatures on the use of ORPDs. Indications, advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Treatment protocol with an example of the prosthodontic treatment of a patient with severely worn dentition with an interim ORPD and later a permanent ORPD are discussed in details.

Utilização De Prótese Parcial Removível Overlay Na Reabilitação Oral: Revisão Narrativa

“…Em casos mais complexos no quais se faz necessário o tratamento integrado, junto com outras especialidades, quando a prótese não é suficiente para sanar os problemas que afligem o paciente, um tratamento reabilitador se torna mais invasivo, complexo, a longo prazo e com custos relativamente mais altos que o convencional 11 .…”

Rehabilitation of oral function with removable dentures – still an option?

“…Overlay removable partial dentures can be used instead of an occlusal splint to efficiently evaluate the vertical dimension of a patient's occlusion and provide a reversible choice before transferring to a final restoration . For financial reasons or general medical conditions, overlay removable partial dentures have some advantages and provide a simpler and cheaper substitute compared to fixed prostheses .…”

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation with Onlay Removable Partial Denture: a Case Report

“…1 On the other hand, onlay RPD is a subset of overdenture where RPD has part of their components such as onlay covering the occlusal surface of the abutment teeth. 2 It can be used to restore facial aesthetic, masticatory function and speech via conservative modification of existing dentition and particularly applicable to increase vertical dimension of occlusion and to improve an uneven occlusal plane. Onlay RPD is most often used as interim prostheses for patient with reduced occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) prior to fixed full mouth rehabilitation or prior to combined treatment of fixed and removable prostheses.…”

“…3 Besides, it can also be used as a definitive prosthesis to re-establish vertical dimension and achieve stable occlusion. 2,4 Some clinicians prefer to have fixed restorations in increasing OVD instead of removable prostheses due to predictable patient's comfort and adaptation. However, the efficacy, simplicity, reversibility, conservative and low cost of RPD has enhanced its use widely.…”