Photoelastic analysis of pressure on teeth and bone supporting removable partial dentures

The direction and pattern of forces delivered to teeth, periodontal membrane, and bone supporting a removable partial denture can be demonstrated by reproducing the dental arch in a photoelastic plastic material. Occlusal forces delivered to tooth-supported and distal-extension removable partial dentures produced repeatable patterns in the supporting structures. Physiologic adjustment of the metal contacts against the teeth on distal-extension removable partial denture castings is necessary to minimize tipping and torquing movement.