Photoelastic Study of the Support Structures of

Distal-Extension Removable Partial Dentures

Marcio Magno Costa, PhD,1 Marco Antonio Moreira Rodrigues da Silva, PhD,2
Sonia Aparecida Goulart Oliveira, PhD,3 Vanderlei Luiz Gomes, PhD,1 Polliane Morais Carvalho, MSc,1
& Barbara Lima Lucas, MSc1
1
Department of Removable Prosthodontics and Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlândia, Brazil
2
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
3
Center of Science and Technology, Federal University of Uberlandia, School of Mechanical Engineering, Uberlândia, Brazil

Keywords Abstract
Photoelastic study; removable partial dentures;
distal extension. Purpose: The double system of support, in which the distal-extension removable
partial denture adapts, causes inadequate stress around abutment teeth, increasing the
Correspondence possibility of unequal bone resorption. Several ways to reduce or more adequately
Marcio Magno Costa, Department of distribute the stress between abutment teeth and residual ridges have been reported;
Removable Prosthodontics and Dental however, there are no definitive answers to the problem. The purpose of this study
Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal was to analyze, by means of photoelasticity, the most favorable stress distribution
University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará n◦ 1720, using three retainers: T bar, rest, proximal plate, I bar (RPI), and circumferential with
Umuarama Camp Bloco 2B, SL 07, 08. mesialized rest.
Uberlândia Minas Gerais 38401-136, Brazil. Materials and Methods: Three photoelastic models were made simulating a Kennedy
E-mail: [email protected], Class II inferior arch. Fifteen dentures with long saddles, five of each design, were
[email protected]
adjusted to the photoelastic patterns and submitted first to uniformly distributed load,
Previously presented at the 21st Academic and then to a load localized on the last artificial tooth. The saddles were then shortened
Conference of Bauru School of Dentistry, and the tests repeated. The quantitative and qualitative analyses of stress intensity
Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil. were done manually and by photography, respectively. For intragroup analyses the
Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used, while for intergroup analyses Friedman
and Wilcoxon tests were used to better identify the differences (p < 0.05).
Accepted September 16, 2008
Results: The RPI retainer, followed by the T bar, demonstrated the best distribution
of load between teeth and residual ridge. The circumferential retainer caused greater
doi: 10.1111/j.1532-849X.2009.00492.x
concentration of stress between dental apexes. Stress distribution was influenced by
the type of retainer, the length of the saddle, and the manner of load application.
Conclusions: The long saddles and the uniformly distributed loads demonstrated better
distribution of stress on support structures.

Removable partial dentures (RPDs) with dental and mucosal sorption. This phenomenon usually starts at the saddle and can
support are devices of great complexity that, despite recent progress to the abutment tooth.4 In more advanced stages, pe-
technological advances, constitute a challenge to the profes- riodontal ligament inflammation and even periodontal abscess
sionals who need to use the procedure. The difficulties are and tooth loss can occur.5-8 Several ways to reduce or more
mainly due to differences in the behavior of the support struc- adequately distribute the stress between abutment teeth and
tures when submitted to occlusal forces.1,2 On one hand, the residual ridges have been reported, including the reduction on
abutment tooth presents a limited movement of around 0.1 mm; the number of artificial teeth,6 the use of long saddles,4,9-12
on the other hand, the mucosa, which varies in compressibility reduction of the occlusal surfaces of artificial teeth,4,13 occlusal
from 0.4 to 4 mm, has an average resilience of 1.3 mm.3 This equilibrium,8 and variation in retainer design;14-16 however,
means that the mucosa confers a freedom of movement to the there are no definitive answers to the problem.
saddle approximately 13-fold higher than that allowed by the RPDs are still the treatment of choice for those patients who
dental organ in its alveolus. desire to have replacement teeth for functional or esthetic rea-
This double system of support, where the distal-extension sons but cannot receive dental implants due to general health
RPD adapts, causes the occurrence of inadequate stress around reasons or financial limitations. Thus, knowledge of biome-
abutment teeth, increasing the possibility of unequal bone re- chanical aspects that directly compromise the success of the

Journal of Prosthodontics 18 (2009) 589–595 

c 2009 by The American College of Prosthodontists 589
Stress Distribution on RPD Support Structures Costa et al

dental treatment with this type of removable denture is impor- For each of the models a new matrix was made, this time in
tant. The aim of this study was to use photoelasticity to compare IQ 428 silicone (Aerojet Brasileira de Fiberglass, São Paulo,
three types of retainers commonly used in clinical practice (T Brazil). These matrices allowed the construction of the models
bar,17 RPI,14,16 and mesialized rest Akers circumferential re- necessary for the manufacture of the RPD framework.
tainers18 ) associated with two saddle lengths and two forms of A total of 15 frameworks (Fig 1) were constructed using
load application.19 a Co-Cr alloy (Degussa AG Geschaftsbereich Dental, Hanau,
Germany). After building the matrices, the artificial teeth were
removed from the interior of the model and duplicated in AG
Materials and methods 80 silver alloy (La Croix Ligas Odontológicas, Rio de Janeiro,
Photoelasticity is an experimental technique for the analysis of Brazil). The choice to use metallic teeth was made due to metal’s
tension and deformation of materials and is particularly use- greater resistance to the retainers, in contrast to teeth made of
ful for devices and structures that present complex geometry. resin that could suffer abrasion during the test, thereby influ-
The greatest advantage of this method is the visualization of encing the results.
internal tensions that can be both measured and photographed. To obtain the photoelastic models, the three IQ 428 silicone
Because it is an indirect method, models that accurately repro- matrices were filled with type IV plaster resulting in three plas-
duce the original must be made, especially when quantitative ter models. The latter were cut in the median line, and the
measurement of tension is required.14 right hemi-arches were cut and regularized with pink wax 7
(Polidental Ind. & Com. Ltda) to form an even surface without
curvatures. The plaster matrices were then used to make three
Photoelastic models
new IQ 428 silicone matrices into which the metallic teeth were
Photoelastic models were made simulating a Kennedy Class positioned. Flexible epoxy photoelastic resin was prepared ac-
II mandibular arch. These arches consisted of two parts: one cording to manufacturer’s instructions in quantity sufficient for
right half-arch made in flexible photoelastic epoxy resin (0488, making the three models necessary for the photoelastic study.
Redelease Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil) and one left half-arch made Left hemi-arches were made by depositing the colorless
in chemically activated colorless acrylic resin (Dental Vipi, Rio chemically activated acrylic resin into the first IQ 428 sili-
de Janeiro, Brazil). To obtain these arches, we started from cone matrices. After resin polymerization, right (photoelastic
a mandibular Columbia model (Columbia Dentoform Corp., material) and left (acrylic resin) hemi-arches were united, thus
New York, NY) which was duplicated in hard plaster (Gesso- forming the models for the tests.
Rio Indústria Brasileira, Rio Claro, Brazil), and this copy was
then transformed into a Kennedy Class II model by the avulsion
Framework adjustment and load transmission
of the molars and of the right second premolar. After removing
irregularities in the toothless area arising from tooth avulsion, a Frameworks were adjusted to their respective models in a way
silicone matrix (Elite Double 8, Zhemack SPA, Badia Polesine, as to avoid tension, and the saddle of acrylic resin was fixed
Italy) was made to allow the reproduction of the Class II models over the framework. After this step, the crowns of the second
necessary for this study. premolar and the first and second right molars (obtained from
Two natural mandibular teeth, one canine and one premolar, the Columbia model) were mounted. To apply the loads, a
were selected and used as references for the teeth included in surveyor was adapted with an acrylic platform on the superior
the photoelastic model. Of the natural teeth, only the radicular end of its analyzing rod, to allow the addition of weight. On the
area was preserved, being those joined to crowns made out of mandibular end of this rod, a device in the form of a pin was
acrylic resin and molded using the right mandibular canine and adapted to allow the load application. An aluminum plate was
first premolar of the Columbia model. After uniting the natu- placed behind the model to reflect the light.
ral root with the acrylic crown, these teeth were reproduced in The test models, together with the load system (Fig 2) were
Duralay chemically activated red acrylic resin (Reliance Dental brought to the reflection polariscope developed at the School
Mfg. Co., Worth, IL). Three copies of each tooth were made. of Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Dentistry, Federal
The artificial teeth were positioned into the silicone matrix, the University of Uberlandia, Brazil. A standard load of 20 N was
roots were lubricated with Vaseline (Indústria Farmacêutica Ri- applied, causing stress on the photoelastic models. The effects
oquı́mica Ltda, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil), and the model were observed in eight distinct points, numbered from 0 to 7.
was filled with type IV plaster (Polidental Ind. & Com. Ltda, In the dental apices region, point 0 was positioned 3 mm above
São Paulo, Brazil). This procedure was repeated three times, the apices of the premolar’s roots, and the other points were
forming three Class II models with artificial teeth in the interior, equidistant. In the region of the residual ridges, point 0 was
one for each type of retainer used (T bar, RPI, and circumferen- mesiodistally positioned on the center of the residual ridges
tial), all with mesialized rest. These retainers were tested with and on the vestibular fornix region of the dental cast, and the
two saddle lengths under two forms of load. In addition to the other points were equidistant. The load was applied first uni-
rests, guide planes were made on the axial surfaces of the di- formly distributed and then localized on the last artificial tooth
rect and indirect abutments. For the T-bar and circumferential (second molar) of the long saddle models. Then the saddles
retainers, these planes were made on the lingual surfaces, while were shortened until the distal surface of the second molar and
for the RPI retainers the planes were made on the lingual sur- the tests were repeated.
faces of the indirect abutment and on the distal surface of the To obtain the qualitative data, a camera (Nikon F90X,
direct abutment. adapted with a 70210 lens, Nikon, Japan) was mounted over a

590 Journal of Prosthodontics 18 (2009) 589–595 

c 2009 by The American College of Prosthodontists
Costa et al Stress Distribution on RPD Support Structures

Figure 1 Models with their respective frameworks.

tripod and maintained in a standard position. Photography was Statistical analyses

made of each test for posterior analysis.
First, these data were evaluated by the variance test for nor-
For the quantitative data, a manual reading was made in
mality, which indicated that these data did not follow a normal
which the fringe orders (N) and the tension intensity were
distribution, even after logarithmic conversion. Based on this,
calculated for every point. To calculate tension intensity, the
nonparametric tests were used to analyze the data. For the intra-
following formula: σ 1 -σ 2 = Kσ N/2b, where σ 1 -σ 2 represents
group analyses the Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used,
the difference between the main tensions or the intensity of ten-
while for the intergroup analyses Friedman and Wilcoxon tests
sion; Kσ represents the optical constant relative to the tensions
were applied to better identify the differences.20 For all tests,
(0.433 for the material used); N represents the fringe order at
the significance level was established as p < 0.05, 2-tailed.
the point; b is the thickness of the model (17 mm). For the
reflection photoelasticity, b values must be multiplied by 2.

Figure 3 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the residual

ridge after the application of uniformly distributed load on the T-bar
Figure 2 Photoelastic model with the load application system. retainer with long saddle.

Journal of Prosthodontics 18 (2009) 589–595 

c 2009 by The American College of Prosthodontists 591
Stress Distribution on RPD Support Structures Costa et al

Figure 4 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the residual

ridge after the application of load on the last artificial tooth-–T-bar retainer
Figure 6 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the residual
with long saddle.
ridge after the application of load on the last artificial tooth (T-bar retainer
with short saddle).
Results
All models were examined photoelastically before and after the The results obtained for the RPI retainer with long saddles
positioning of the partial dentures to ensure the nonexistence are expressed in Figures 7 and 8, and show that when the load
of tension. Therefore, whichever tensions originated on the was uniformly distributed, there was a greater concentration
models were attributed to the applied load. The quantitative of tension on the residual ridge, statistically significant when
data obtained were plotted on graphs, and the qualitative data compared with the dental apices. When the load was localized
were represented in a picture to show the stress distribution on the last artificial tooth, there was lower tension intensity
when using the T bar, the RPI, and the circumferential, all with between dental apices and higher concentration of tension in
long saddle and uniformly distributed load. the residual ridge, both statistically significant.
The results obtained for the T bar with long saddles is shown Figures 9 and 10 show the results obtained for the RPI re-
in Figures 3 and 4. These data shows that when the loads tainer with short saddle. These data show that when the load
were uniformly distributed, the values of tension intensity were was uniformly distributed there was significantly more ten-
greater between dental apices than in the residual ridges, though sion intensity on the residual ridges compared to both the val-
not significantly. On the other hand, when the load was applied ues obtained for the dental apices (short saddles) and dental
to the last artificial tooth, a significant reduction in the tension apices and residual ridges in dentures with long saddles. On the
intensity between the dental apices and a significant increase in other hand, when the load was localized on the last artificial
the residual ridges was observed. tooth of the dentures with short saddles, there was significantly
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the results obtained with the T- higher the intensity of tension on the residual ridges, while be-
bar retainer with short saddles. When the load was uniformly tween dental apices there was a significantly lower intensity of
distributed, there was a greater concentration of tension in the
residual ridge and a reduction between the dental apices, both
statistically significant.

Figure 5 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the residual Figure 7 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the residual
ridge after the application of uniformly distributed load on the T-bar ridge after the application of uniformly distributed load on the RPI retainer
retainer with short saddle. with long saddle.

592 Journal of Prosthodontics 18 (2009) 589–595 

c 2009 by The American College of Prosthodontists
Costa et al Stress Distribution on RPD Support Structures

Figure 11 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the resid-

Figure 8 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the residual ual ridge after the application of uniformly distributed load on the circum-
ridge after the application of load on the last artificial tooth (RPI retainer ferential retainer with long saddle.
with long saddle).

tension when compared to the uniformly distributed loads, both

for long and short saddles.
The results obtained for the circumferential retainer with long
saddle are shown in Figures 11 and 12. In these experiments,
we observed that when the load was applied uniformly there
was a significantly greater concentration of tension between
dental apices than that on the residual ridges. When the load
was applied to the last artificial tooth, there was an increase
in the intensity of tension on the residual ridge and a decrease
between the dental apices.
Figures 13 and 14 show the data obtained for the circum-
ferential retainer with short saddles. The intensity of tension
observed when the load was uniformly distributed was high
between both the dental apices and the residual ridges. When
the load was applied on the last artificial tooth, there was a sig-
nificant reduction in tension intensity between dental apices,
while the values for the residual ridges were similar to those
Figure 9 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the residual obtained for the uniformly distributed load.
ridge after the application of uniformly distributed load on the RPI retainer
with short saddle.

Figure 10 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the resid- Figure 12 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the resid-
ual ridge after the application of load on the last artificial tooth (RPI ual ridge after the application of load on the last artificial tooth (circum-
retainer with short saddle). ferential retainer with long saddle).

Journal of Prosthodontics 18 (2009) 589–595 

c 2009 by The American College of Prosthodontists 593
Stress Distribution on RPD Support Structures Costa et al

the latter, tractioning them in the direction of the prosthetic

space.1-14
In this study, various factors that influence distal-extension
RPDs, and therefore their support structures, were analyzed,
looking for alternatives that allow for a better distribution of the
forces and a greater integration between the prosthesis and the
biology of the tissues and the physiology of the stomatognathic
system. The results obtained for the T-bar retainer showed a
better distribution of tensions when the loads were uniformly
distributed in the dentures with long saddles. This means that
the ample covering of the basal area allowed for a better distri-
bution of the load per unit area, as suggested by others.4,10-12
Even with the long saddle, when the load was concentrated
on the last artificial tooth, there was a greater concentration
of tensions on the residual ridge. This fact demonstrates the
importance of the correct occlusal adjustment on the distribu-
tion of stress.14 The occlusal harmony between the denture and
Figure 13 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the resid-
the antagonist arch contributes to the healthy condition of the
ual ridge after the application of uniformly distributed load on the circum-
remaining structures.
ferential retainer with short saddle.
For the RPI retainer, the best distribution of forces was ob-
served when the load was uniformly distributed on the dentures
Discussion with long saddles. These data reinforce the comments already
made for T-bar retainers. Generally speaking, in the RPI re-
The main objective of a denture is to maintain the equilibrium
tainer, the tensions concentrated mostly on the residual ridges.
between the health and the function of the stomatognathic sys-
This behavior is in accordance with the objective of the retainer,
tem, preserving its remaining structures in a healthy condition
idealized by Kratochvil14 and later modified by Krol,15 which
and providing agreeable esthetics.1,2 When a partial fixed or
is to reduce stress on the abutment. Obviously this must not
removable denture is made, an additional load is placed on the
occur at the cost of overload on the residual ridge, as observed
abutments during function, which corresponds to the absent
when the loads were localized on the last artificial tooth, both
teeth. Therefore, when planning a denture, harmony between
for the long and short saddles, or even when the loads were uni-
the additional loads and the capacity of the periodontium to
formly distributed in short saddles, where there was a greater
support them must be found.
concentration of tension on the residual ridges.
When speaking of distal-extension RPDs, this harmony is
The results obtained for the circumferential retainer demon-
somewhat more difficult to achieve due to differences in the
strated that, even with the long saddles, there was a high con-
mechanical behavior of the support structures when submitted
centration of tension between the dental apices when the load
to occlusal loads.3,4 A rigid union between the tooth and the
was uniformly distributed. This may be due to a greater rigidity
saddle of the denture, by means of the minor connectors of
of this particular retainer when compared with bar retainers,
the clasps applied on the abutments, induces lateral forces on
which may cause a larger dislocation of the direct abutment in
the direction of the prosthetic space.12,18,19 When the load was
uniformly distributed on the dentures with short saddles, the
values of tension intensity between dental apices and residual
ridges were very close, suggesting an equilibrated distribution
of tensions with this design; however, it is important to note
that not only the distribution, but also the intensity of tension
must be considered, since high tensions can be deleterious to
the structures responsible for the support of the prosthesis.
Considering the distribution of stress and the measurements
of tension intensity obtained for the three retainers, the RPI
retainer showed the best performance, followed by the T-bar
and the circumferential retainers, in accordance with other re-
ports.8,14-16,18,19 Interestingly the RPI retainer was more effec-
tive only when the long saddle was used and when the load
was uniformly distributed. Conversely, when the loads were lo-
calized and the saddles shortened, the performance of the RPI
retainer was inferior to the T bar. This suggests that when look-
ing for a better and more equilibrated distribution of tensions,
Figure 14 Intensity of tension between dental apexes and on the resid- we should make use of a wide range of resources, as isolated
ual ridge after the application of load on the last artificial tooth (circum- actions such as the use of the correct extension of the saddle, an
ferential retainer with short saddle). incorrect adjustment of occlusion, or the use of more flexible

594 Journal of Prosthodontics 18 (2009) 589–595 

c 2009 by The American College of Prosthodontists
Costa et al Stress Distribution on RPD Support Structures

clasps without a proper saddle length may not be completely 2. Applegate OC, Nissle RO: Keeping the partial denture in
effective. harmony with biologic limitations. J Am Dent Assoc
Analyzing saddle length, we observed that the best stress 1951;43:409-419
distribution occurred with the use of long saddles, with an ample 3. Ben Ur M, Helft LS, Serebro L: Planning the clasp system for a
covering of the basal surface.4,10-12 In general, the short saddles distal extension removable partial denture. Quintess Dent
Technol 1983;7:15-18
increased the concentration of stress over the residual ridges,
4. Nairn RI: The problem of free-end denture bases. J Prosthet Dent
independent of the type of load applied. In clinical conditions, 1966;16:522-532
this overload on the ridge leads almost inexorably to a rapid 5. Seemann SK: A study of the relationship between periodontal
and accentuated bone loss, which consequently will lead to the disease and wearing of partial dentures. Aust Dent J
loss of the abutment support. 1963;8:206-209
In relation to the load, the best performance was observed 6. Itoh H, Caputo AA, Wyhe R, et al: Effects of periodontal support
when the load was uniformly distributed, as suggested else- and fixed splinting on load transfer by removable partial
where.10 The localization of the loads on the last artificial dentures. J Prosthet Dent 1998;79:465-471
tooth induced a greater concentration of tensions on the resid- 7. Kratochvil FJ, Caputo AA: Photoelastic analysis of pressure on
ual ridge. Considering that the abutment is a more adequate teeth supporting removable partial dentures. J Prosthet Dent
1974;32:52-61
element to receive and neutralize tensions than the alveolar
8. Igarashi Y, Ogata A, Kuroiwa A, et al: Stress distribution and
mucosa, one can imagine that, if the distribution cannot be ho- abutment tooth mobility of distal-extension removable partial
mogeneous, the overload should not fall on the least effective dentures with different retainers: an in vivo study. J Oral Rehabil
support.8,19 As these data obtained in this study are experimen- 1999;26:111-116
tal,6-11,14,16 it is important to associate these results with clinical 9. Christensen FT: Mandibular free-end denture. J Prosthet Dent
observations,8,18,19 which will allow a better discernment in the 1962;12:111-115
planning of distal-extension RPDs. 10. Frechette AR: The influence of partial denture design on
distribution of force to abutment teeth. J Prosthet Dent
2001;85:527-539
Conclusions 11. Kaires AK: Effect of partial denture design on bilateral force
distribution. J Prosthet Dent 1956;3:373-385
The results of this study lead to the following conclusions:
12. Taylor DT: Effect of two clasping assemblies on arch integrity as
1. The distribution of tensions in the photoelastic models was modified by base adaptation. J Prosthet Dent 1982;47:120-
influenced by the type of retainer, the length of the saddle, 124
and by the form of load application. 13. McCracken WL: Contemporary partial denture designs. J
Prosthet Dent 2004;92:409-417
2. In relation to the retainer, a more equal distribution of
14. Kratochvil FJ: Influence of occlusal rest position and clasp
forces between the support structures was seen in the RPI design on movement of abutment teeth. J Prosthet Dent
retainer, followed by the T-bar and by the circumferential 1963;13:114-124
retainers. 15. Krol AJ: RPI (Rest, Proximal Plate, I Bar) clasp retainer and its
3. As for the saddle length, a more equal distribution of modifications. Dent Clin North Am 1973;17:631-650
forces between the support structures was observed on 16. Thompson WD, Kratochvil JF, Caputo AA: Evaluation of
the long saddles, as the dentures with short saddles in- photoelastic stress patterns produced by various designs of
duced a greater concentration of tensions on the residual bilateral distal-extension removable partial dentures. J Prosthet
ridge. Dent 2004;91:105-113
4. When considering the type of load, the best distribution 17. Roach FE: Principles and essentials of bar clasp partial dentures.
J Am Dent Ass 1930;17:124-138
of tensions occurred when the load was uniformly dis-
18. Ogata K, Miyake T, Okunishi M: Longitudinal study on force
tributed, while the load localized on the last artificial tooth distribution in lower distal-extension removable partial dentures
induced greater concentration of tensions on the residual with circunferential clasps. J Oral Rehabil 1992;19:585-
ridges. 594
19. Ogata K, Shimizu K: Longitudinal study on forces transmitted
References from denture base to retainers of lower free-end saddle dentures
with Aker’s clasps. J Oral Rehabil 1991;18:471-
1. McCracken WL: A comparison of tooth-bone and 480
tooth-tissue-bone removable partial dentures. J Prosthet Dent 20. Shapiro SS, Wilk MB: An analysis of variance test for normality.
1953;3:375-381 Biometric 1965;52:3-4

Journal of Prosthodontics 18 (2009) 589–595 

c 2009 by The American College of Prosthodontists 595