An alternative procedure for positioning a prefabricated extracoronal attachment in a removable partial denture

摘要

A prefabricated attachment for support and retention of a removable partial denture in which the pa-trix and matrix components are positioned outside the normal contour of the abutment tooth is considered an extracoronal attachment.1'2 Ball retentive prefabricated extracoro-nai attachments are commonly used and are provided in a wide range of dimensions and retentive matrix materials.3 As a result, interocclusal and buccolingual space are critical clinical factors when selecting the desired ball attachment and retentive matrix.4 Problems can occur when an interocclusal space deficiency is not recognized until well into the treatment process; this can result in an undesirable situation for the patient and clinician. Adequate interocclusal space is necessary to accommodate the height of the ball attachment, the retentive matrix housing seated onto the attachment, and the space over the matrix housing to allow a sufficient thickness of acrylic resin for the retention of the tooth or teeth in the prosthesis.5 Optimal positioning of the attachment should be in harmony with the path of insertion of the planned prosthesis for a successful clinical outcome#