Types and Objectives of Removable Partial Dentures (RPD)

Applegate Rules for Kennedy Classification

• Applegate Rule 6: Edentulous areas other than those determining the classification are referred to as MODIFICATION (S) and are designated by their number.
• Applegate Rule 7: The extent of the modification is not considered, only the number of additional edentulous areas are considered.
• Applegate Rule 8: No modification areas can be included in Class IV arches.

Removable Partial Dentures (RPD)

• Types of RPD: Acrylic partial dentures (Flipper), Cast partial dentures (Cr-Co), and Flexible partial dentures (Valplast)
• Objectives of RPD Construction:
• Restore esthetic
• Restore function (phonetic and mastication)
• Prevent apposing teeth extrusion or migration and tilting of adjacent teeth
• Fill empty space or spaces
• Prevent disease atrophy
• Restore the psychological status of the patient
• Achieve proper muscular balance

Causes of Teeth Loss

• Main causes of teeth loss:
• Caries (main cause in young people below 35 years)
• Periodontal diseases (main cause in old people above 35 years)
• Trauma or accident
• Congenital missing teeth

Indications of Removable Partial Dentures (RPD)

• Distal extension situations (free end situation)
• Long span tooth-bounded edentulous area
• Need for cross-arch (bilateral) stabilization
• Excessive loss of the residual ridge
• Unusually sound abutment teeth

Kennedy Classification

• The Kennedy method of classification was originally proposed by Dr. Edward Kennedy in 1925
• It attempts to classify the partially edentulous arch in a manner that suggests certain principles of design for a given situation
• Kennedy divided all partially edentulous arches into four basic classes

Classification of Partially Edentulous Arches

• Class I: Bilateral edentulous areas located posterior to the natural teeth
• Class II: A unilateral edentulous area located posterior to the remaining natural teeth
• Class III: A unilateral edentulous area with natural teeth remaining both anterior and posterior to it
• Class IV: (not defined in the text, but implied as a separate class)

Applegate Rules

• Applegate Rule 1: Classification should follow rather than precede any extractions of teeth that might alter the classification
• Applegate Rule 2: If a third molar is missing and not to be replaced, it is not considered in the classification
• Applegate Rule 3: If a third molar is present and is to be used as an abutment, it is considered in the classification
• Applegate Rule 4: If a second molar is missing and is not to be replaced, it is not considered in the classification
• Applegate Rule 5: The most posterior edentulous area (or areas) always determines the classification

Learn about the three types of removable partial dentures (RPD): Acrylic, Cast, and Flexible. Explore the objectives of constructing RPDs such as restoring esthetics, function, preventing tooth issues, and filling empty spaces.