Flexible Partial Dentures:
The metallic appearance of the clasp may be a limitation when treating patients who are concerned about esthetics. When maxillary posterior teeth are missing and only anterior teeth are present, the placement of metallic clasps on canines may not be acceptable for some patients. Flexible denture material is available in the form of granules in cartridges of varying sizes. It was first introduced by the name of Valplast and Flexiplast to dentistry in 1956. These are superpolyamides which belong to the nylon family. Nylon is a resin derived from dicarboxylic acid, diamine, amino acid and lactams. The injection-molding technique is used for the fabrication of flexible denture base prostheses. Recently, some manufacturers have introduced disc-type materials for flexible partial denture CAD/CAM procedures. Instead of metal clasps, they have thin finger-like extensions which extend into undercuts and act as clasps. They are also an option for the cosmetic improvement of teeth that appear elongated due to the recession of gums and also for patients who are allergic to acrylic.
Creo Clearflex partials are clear thermoplastic resin appliances that offer high-impact resistance, flexibility, and clear clasps.
Creo Clearflex partials are made from an advanced molded nylon material that is strong and not permeable to water, air, or other fluids. The frame and clasp are transparent and partially rigid while the rest seats provide vertical stability.
Glass-like clarity
Good rigidity for excellent finish
Easy to polish
Monomer and Bisphenol-A free
Fully reline-able with any soft reliner
Creo ClearFlex CAD (Digital Partial Denture) is also available.
Validations
“…Flexible dentures have got various advantages over the traditional rigid denture bases. Translucency of the material picks up underlying tissue tones, making it almost impossible to detect in the mouth. No clasping is visible on tooth surfaces (when used in manufacturing of clear clasps) improving aesthetics. The material is exceptionally strong and flexible. Free movement is allowed by the overall flexibility. Complete biocompatibility is achieved because the material is free of monomer and metal, these being the principal causes of allergic reactions in conventional denture and partial techniques. Flexible dentures will not cause sore spots as seen with rigid acrylic resins. Flexible dentures may be used as an alternative treatment plan in rehabilitating the anomalies such as Ectodermal dysplasia.
It is nearly unbreakable, clear or pink colored like the gums, can be built quite thin, and can form both the denture base and the clasps as well. The clasps are built to curl around the necks of the teeth and they are practically indistinguishable from the gums that normally surround the teeth due to its opalescence. This type of partial denture is extremely stable and retentive, and the elasticity of the flexible plastic clasps keeps them that way indefinitely. It has superior aesthetics, no metallic taste and is non-allergic. Free movement is allowed by the overall flexibility and can, therefore, be referred to as “a built in stress breaker”. Long term health of tissues and teeth is maintained due to their gentle massaging action without adversely loading abutments…”
(Thumati et al. Flexible Dentures in Prosthodontics – An Overview, Indian J Dent Adv 2013; 5(4): 1380-1385)
Resources
Digital Flexible Partial Dentures: