A simple method to transfer the selected path of insertion of a removable partial denture intraorally.

aSenior Lecturer, Department of Oral Rehabilitation. bStudent, Master Dental Technology program, Department of Oral Rehabilitation. (J Prosthet Dent 2009;101:73-74) The treatment of choice for a partially edentulous patient is placement of a fixed partial denture supported by either teeth or implants.1 However, when implants are contraindicated or when the remaining abutment teeth cannot support a fixed prosthesis, a removable partial denture (RPD) may be an alternative.2 In designing an RPD, selecting the most appropriate path of insertion to promote ease of placement, esthetics, retention, stability, and support is a challenging aspect for many clinicians.3 Despite the fact that several different techniques for transferring the path of insertion intraorally have been described, this crucial step remains technically demanding.4,5 This article describes a method for making an index to transfer the selected path of insertion from the diagnostic cast intraorally. This simple technique assists the dentist to more ideally modify the contours of each abutment tooth.