Double hinged sectional denture

Fig 1: Finished casting prior to addition of acrylic saddle, open position

Fig 2: Finished casting without acrylic saddle, locked position

Fig 3: The completed denture on the master model, locked position

Fig 4: The completed denture on the master model, open position

Fig 5: Complete denture, locked position

Fig 6: Complete denture, open position

This case required a small unilateral denture to replace the patient's upper right 5 and 6. It was decided to use a two-part or sectional technique to ensure positive retention. There are numerous types of two-part denture designs, but this one may be unique to Creative Chrome, having been devised by Steve to fully engage all of the available undercuts when locked together with a P.W bolt (figs 1 & 2).

This technique uses a double-ended hinge incorporated into the casting, one end as part of the main casting, the other carrying the bolt and retention for the acrylic saddle. The action of the double hinge enables the saddle to swing into the undercut areas of the abutment teeth and soft tissue, where it is then locked with the bolt as shown in figs 3, 4, 5 & 6. The denture is now fixed and stable until unlocked by the patient.

The bolt, named after its inventor, E. Pullen-Warner, works in the same way as a gate or rifle bolt: the handle is lifted upwards and then pulled outwards to disengage, the reverse procedure being used to lock it. This design is optimised for posterior unilateral bounded saddle cases, upper or lower, and can engage very severe undercuts.

Fig 7: Comparative illustration of the double-hinge sectional denture system

In response to interest from other technicians, Steve and David wrote an article about this technique. This appeared in the Dental Technologists Association's magazine, The Technologist, in June 2016.

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