Precision Attachment
Precision Attachments are special attachments used for the
perfect fit of removable partial dentures. The attachment
prosthesis consists a combination of permanently fixed and
removable denture. (semi fixed denture). It is a passive retention
mechanism by which the abutment teeth are not exposed to
excessive
forces.
Removable partial dentures with precision attachments are used
for treating terminally involved dental arches (free end saddle).
It uses a double tilt retention mechanism thus preventing
gravitational and muscular forces from dislodging the partial
denture during function. The use of double tilting path of
insertion eliminates the torquing stresses that the most abutments
are forced to absorb from conventional retentive mechanisms.
Benefits
Space saving hind of dentures
Economic alternative to Implants
No metal clasp
Semi fixed
Perfect fit
The double tilt retention mechanism
prevent gravitational and muscular forces
from dislodging the partial denture during
function.
Clasps Attachments
Less expensive. 15 year + life
5 to 6 year life More expensive
30% loss of 99% retention
retention. Excellent
Poor chewing chewing efficiency
efficiency 8% caries rate
93% rate caries 100%
50% compliance compliance
Indications for Attachments
Precision attachment partial dentures are the
very best restorations are contraindicated.
Aesthetics
Redistribution of forces
Minimize trauma of soft tissue
Control of loading and rotational forces
Non parallel abutments
Retention
stabilization
Location
Opposing arch
Function
Retention
Available space (3-5mm)
Cost
A ball and socket type of attachment in which
one component is attached to an abutment or
implant , and other element is retained in the
prosthesis .
Low profile
Easy hygiene maintenance
Enhanced crown / root
ratio
Allowing more space for
the acrylic and in turn
increasing the strength of
the denture
Types of Precision Stud Attachment
1. Gerber attachment
2. Zest anchor
3. Rotherman attachment
Gerber attachments
These attachments are of two types: Resilient and non-Resilient.
• The non resilient Gerber attachments are the Most common and widely
used attachments.
• They Consist of Male post-threaded in to the Soldering base and the
female Portion Consists of female housing Consisting of the retention Spring
and the ring
Advantages
• All components are interchangeable and replaceable.
• Retention is adequate and fabrication is simple.
• Maintenance is easy
Disadvantages
• Gerber stud is expensive.
• Attachment can torque the tooth, if the denture base has excessive
movement
• A mandrel is needed to parallel the attachments when more than one is
used.
Resilient Gerber Attachment
• It is also known as Puffer and is a spring loaded, vertically
resilient attachment.
• It allows vertical movement and imparts less torquing forces on
the abutment teeth
• It is complex in fabrication and design.
• It has nine parts and is one of the most sophisticated and
expensive stud attachmei
Advantages
• Rebasing is simple.
• Soldering base is interchangeable.
• Spring-loaded resilience allows the base to adapt under function.
Disadvantages
• It is expensive.
• Attachment is bulky.
• Design is complex. Torque factor can be considered, if the base is not adapted
adequately.
Zest Anchor
• This was originally developed by Carl Axel Gross in 1954 in Sweden.
• It was introduced in America by Max Zuest in 1973.
• This attachment derives its retention within the root.
• A post preparation is made within the root and the female sleeve is cemented
in place.
• Male portion is a nylon post which is placed in the sleeve and is picked up in
the denture resin as a chair side procedure .
• Retention is achieved by the ball head snap- ping into the undercut of the
female sleeve.
Advantages
• It has negligible torque or leverage on the abut- ment tooth.
• It can be used in reduced interocclusal space.
• It is simple to use and inexpensive.
• Attachment can be used without the dowel or coping.
• It provides slight vertical and rotational movement.
• It can be used on divergent teeth.
Disadvantages
• It is susceptible to caries
• Sleeve requires meticulous oral hygiene maintenance.
• Nylon studs can absorb water and can bend, break or prevent
entry of attachment.
• Studs may be replaced quite frequently.
Rotherman attachments Features:
• The Rothermann is vertically the smallest rigid or
resilient overdenture attachment available today.
• The resilient Rothermann allows for both vertical
and rotational movements.
• Two configurations are available, the anterior
(retention area on the lingual) and the posterior
• The gold females are adjustable.
• The resilient Rothermann attachment allows for a
divergence of about 5 degrees. The Solid Male
Spacer is used to block out occlusally over the male
attachment prior to processing acrylic.
•No special tools required (retention area along the
ridge).
Indications
Removable, retentive, rigid or resilient
restoration on devitalized root
Contraindications
Unilateral free-end restorations without
transversal blocking
Hybrid dentures fitted on one single root cap
Sterilization
All components are non-sterile
Occlusal Spacer Disc
Tin, assures vertical resilience. Mounted on male part during polymerization.
Included with complete resilient attachment.
Gingival Spacer Disc
Tin, assures vertical resilience. Mounted between male and female parts
during polymerization. Included with complete resilient attachment.
Characteristics
As this attachment is very low, the male part may be positioned without using
a parallelometer. The quantity of the solder integrated into the center of the
male is sufficient to solder it to the root coping without adding solder.
Characteristics
As this attachment is very low, the male part may be positioned without
using a parallelometer. The quantity of the solder integrated into the
center of the male is sufficient to solder it to the root coping without
adding solder.
Minimum Vertical Height:
1.1mm for solid Rothermann
1.7mm or resilient Rothermann plus teeth.
