Choosing denture teeth in the right shape and shade is absolutely essential, particularly when it comes to removable partial dentures. It's important that the new teeth match the remaining natural dentition. At the same time, cost is also an important factor in removable partial dentures. Often, they are only used as temporary solutions; however. some patients may not have the financial means to afford fixed restorations. Made from a durable HC polymer, VITA MFT (VITA Multi Functional Teeth from VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) is designed for solid conventional dentures, and thanks to its anatomical layering comprised of enamel, cervical and incisal material, its appearance is similar to that of natural dentition. In the following case report, Denturist Daniel Lavrin (London, United Kingdom) demonstrates how gaps in the upper and lower dentition can be efficiently restored using this economical denture tooth.
VITA MFT: Cost-effective partial dentures in a variety of shapes and shades
A routine clinical case
Following multiple extractions, a 64-year-old patient presented with extensive gaps in his upper and lower dentition. Only tooth 16 and 26, as well as 37, 34, 33, 43, 44 and 45 were still present. The patient wanted a restoration that would stabilize his current situation, and could also be extended at any time, due to the poor clinical prognosis for his remaining teeth. The patient was also planning implant-supported restorations in the near future. A temporary solution needed to be cost effective, while at the same time meeting his esthetic and functional expectations. Ultimately, removable partial dentures (without clasps) were chosen, with VITA Multi Functional Teeth (MFT) selected as the preferred material. An impression was taken of the situation in the upper and lower jaw in order to fabricate anatomical models, on which custom trays and bite templates were created. Master models were fabricated and articulated based on precision impressions and determination of the jaw relation.
The right tooth sets
VITA MFT denture teeth are available in several different tooth shades and come in rounded, triangular, square and rectangular moulds for anterior use. As a result, we were quickly able to find the right anterior set in collaboration with the patient. Thanks to the multifunctional design of the posterior teeth, we were able to choose a set that only required minimal milling. The setup in wax was completed in no time at all. Due to the lack of space, tooth 15, 32 and 42 were not included in the setup. Anatomical shaping of the denture bases was followed by a short clinical try-in that both patient and practitioner were happy with.
The appearance of the VITA MFT already looked convincingly natural during wax setup.
The mucogingival anatomy was reproduced in wax.
It was possible to choose a matching shape and shade for the selected VITA MFT denture teeth.
The multifunctional occlusal design of VITA MFT reduced corrective milling to a minimum.
Implementation in resin and summary
Implementation in resin was carried out using hydrocolloid keys. After cleaning, conditioning, and repositioning of the teeth, internal shades from the DentureArt system were carefully applied to the vestibular surfaces of the keys in order to replicate the mucogingival anatomy. The complete key was then cast using cold-curing Castdon resin (both from Dreve Dentamid, Unna, Germany). Curing was followed by finishing and polishing. The cost-effective partial dentures proved to be esthetic during placement. The VITA MFT denture teeth looked completely natural, blending harmoniously with the remaining dentition. The patient was very happy with the cost-effective partial denture stabilization of his clinical situation.
The patient was delighted with the esthetics and function of his cost-effective partial dentures.