RPD Manual 11 - Removable Prosthodontics - Dalhousie University

Framework Adjustment - 85
2. Reciprocal arms and proximal plates should be contacting the cast
3. Linguoplates and maxillary palatal major connectors should be in intimate contact
with the cast (food impaction)
4. Major and minor connectors should be an adequate distance from abutment
teeth (hygiene). Adjust, if possible, or have lab adjust or remake framework
5. Major and minor connectors should be of proper proportions (rigidity, hygiene).
Note especially that cingulum rests should not be carried into embrasures and that
embrasure minor connectors for distal extensions should not be in contact with the
more anterior tooth (unless it has a rest seat preparation). Adjust, if possible, or
have lab adjust or remake framework.
6. Butt joints should be adequate for acrylic resin (slightly undercut). Adjust, if
possible, or have lab adjust or remake framework
7. Clasps should be of uniform taper
8. Proper gridwork should have adequate relief
9. Finish and polish of the framework should be adequate - no evidence of pits,
nodules and scratches in the metal. Eliminate sharp edges that might impinge on
the oral mucosa.
Check framework with an instructor prior to making adjustments. These adjustments should
proceed the patient's clinical appointment for framework adjustment. Heatless stones, diamond
burs, Brasseler E-Cutter burs, carborundum disks and coarse stones may be used to make
adjustments to the major and minor connectors. Remove and replace the framework on the
master casts as few times as possible. In this way, it will not be severely abraded should a
remake of the framework be necessary.
Clinical Adjustment (Fit)
Binding against one or more of the abutment teeth can cause inadequate seating of a
framework. The area(s) of binding cannot be located without the use of an indicating
medium. Several media can be used for this purpose:
1. Spray type Powders (Occlude): A small amount is sprayed in an even
continuous layer over ALL tooth-contacting portions of the framework. The
advantage of this medium is that it is thin and accurate and is not easily displaced
from the framework. The material can get quite thick if over-sprayed. Teeth,
tissues and the framework must be dry to prevent the pigment bleeding and
making reading of the indicator difficult. A disadvantage of this technique is that
it provides only two-dimensional assessment of fit.
2. Disclosing wax (Kerr): A small amount of wax is removed from the jar and
placed on a mixing pad. A warmed instrument (#7 wax spatula, PKT waxing
instrument, etc.) is used to pick up and melt a portion of the wax. The melted
wax is applied in an even coat over ALL tooth-contacting portions of the
framework. The wax is allowed to gel prior to placement in the mouth. The
advantage of this medium is that it provides three-dimensional assessment of fit.
Areas of burn-through indicate possible areas of binding, and the thickness of the
remaining wax indicates how far the rest of the framework is from contact with
the teeth. A disadvantage of wax is that it can stick to teeth or be wiped away
easily if the framework is seated improperly.