Proximal plate designs for removable partial denture

Abstract

The proximal plate has the main function of determining the path of placement of the RPD and providing retention and reciprocation. In addition, the proximal plate can apply distal torque on the abutment for distal extension partial dentures. The proximal plates in common use are designed by Kratochvil, Krol, and Demer. The purpose of this study was to compare the difference between each design. The results indicated that the proximal plate designed by Kratochvil was in close contact with the guide plane; whereas, in the proximal plate designed by Krol, the guide plane was at 2-3 mm in the occluso-gingival direction, and the proximal plate by Demer was designed to make contact only at the height of contour. The lifespan of the abutment and denture can be extended by adequately designing the guide plane and proximal plate for each case.