1992 Volume 55 Issue 4 Pages 376-391
We made statistical observations based on the Kennedy classification of removable partial dentures (RPDs) constructed in clinical practice at Osaka Dental University Hospital between October 1987 and September 1990.
The results obtained were as follows :
1) The most common RPD was class I (861), followed by class II (661), class III (233), and class IV (83).
2) The age distribution peaked at 60〜64 years for class I, 50〜54 years for class II, 55〜59 years for class III and 60〜64 years for class IV.
3) A provisional denture was used prior to placement of the final denture in 38.9% of the maxillary class III cases, 33.9% of the maxillary class IV cases, and 29.6% of the mandibular class IV cases.
4) The arch opposing a maxillary class I or class II RPD most commonly had a new RPD, a maxillary class III or class IV RPD most commonly opposed natural dentition, a mandibular class I RPD most commonly opposed a new RPD, and a mandibular class II, III or IV RPD usually opposed natural dentition.
5) Resin plates were most frequently used as the major connector for maxillary RPDs ; palatal bars were rare, except that cast Ag-Pd-Au alloy palatal bars were used in class II RPDs. The frequency of cast palatal plates were 15.7% for class II cases and about 20% for all other classes. Resin plates were most frequently used for the mandibular major connector, followed by cast lingual bars.
6) Artificial molars were eliminated to reduce the load on the supporting soft tissues and abutment teeth in 27.3% of the maxillary class I cases, 13.4% of the mandibular class II cases, 26.9% of the mandibular class I cases and 20.8% of the mandibular class II cases.
7) Combination clasps were often used on cuspids or premolars, reflecting the effect of education on clinical practice.
