Precision Attachments; Applications and Limitations

Abstract

A unique concern of a removable denture when compared to others is retention. Retention is the ability of the prosthesis to resist the movement of denture away from the supporting tissues/teeth. The component of removable denture which provides retention is called as direct retainer. 1,3,4 A direct retainer can be either an extracoronal or intracoronal retainer. Extracoronal direct retainer uses mechanical resistance to displacement through components placed on external surface of abutment teeth. Intracoronal retainer is either cast or attached totally within the restored natural contours of an abutment tooth. 1 One of the main drawbacks of extracoronal retainers used in partial dentures is visibility. Many patients find themselves in an aesthetically compromised state when these retainers are placed on teeth in visible area. Precision attachments provide solution for this problem. Also, precision attachments provide better vertical support and better stimulation to the underlying tissue through intermittent vertical massage. 1,9 Although the history of intracoronal retainers goes back to 5 th and 4 th centuries BC, technically more sound developments began in early 20 th century AD, with Dr. Herman E. S. Chayes formulating the principle of internal attachment in 1906. Since then precision attachments are playing an important role in removable and fixed partial denture, conventional and implant supported overdenture. 9 KEY WORDS: Precision attachment, internal attachment, parallel attachment, frictional attachment. INTRODUCTION: Precision attachment can be described as a retainer used in fixed and removable partial denture construction consisting of a metal receptacle and a closely fitting part, the former is usually contained within the normal or expanded contours of the crown of the abutment tooth, and the latter is attached to a pontic or to the denture frame work. 1 SYNONYMS: Internal attachment, parallel attachment, frictional attachment, key and key way attachment, slotted attachment.

Di̇key Yönde Defekti̇ Olan Hastalarda Andrews Köprü Si̇stemi̇ İle Proteti̇k Rehabi̇li̇tasyon: İki̇ Olgu Sunumu

“…6 Öte yandan, hassas ataĢmanlar, aralıklı dikey masaj yoluyla altta yatan yumuĢak dokuya daha iyi destek ve stimülasyon sağlar. 7 Bu çalıĢmanın amacı, geniĢ doku defektli çoklu diĢ eksikliği olan 2 hastada baĢarılı Ģekilde uygulanan Andrews köprü sistemi ile protetik rehabilitasyonunun nasıl yapıldığını anlatmaktır.…”

Effect of Cross Arch Stabilization on the Retention of a Unilateral Distal Extension Partial Denture Using a Resilient Extracoronal Attachment: (In Vitro Study)

“…The latter is not used commonly due to lack of dentist's knowledge or lack of technician's skill. Despite that, it has a lot of advantages, such as superior esthetics due to absence of clasps as well as superior retention derived from the attachments (8)(9)(10)(11) .…”

Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Precision Attachments among Dental Practitioners: A Questionnaire Based Study

“…3 Benefits of using precision attachments include extra retention to prosthesis, proper distribution of stress, cross-arch stabilization and asthetics. 4 They are considered to be a versatile method of retention and are nowadays used in many of cases such as with removable and fixed dental prosthesis. 5,6 overdentures, 7 implant supported prosthesis 8 and maxillofacial prosthesis.…”