Gold was the material of choice for the construction of removable partial dentures, but gold was becoming prohibitively expensive and by the 1930’s cobalt chrome was gaming acceptance as the alternative material. Then in the 1960’s, nylon a synthetics polymer was introduced to the dental industry, a break through material for the construction of removable partial dentures.
There materials which are commonly used in the construction of removable partial dentures are based on old technology with limitations to their application, patient’s acceptance and satisfaction. The main issues, as evidenced by the patients themselves are aesthetics, hygiene and a general awareness of metal and acrylic allergies.
Today you are dealing with a much more educated and sophisticated patient base then a decade ago, these patient’s demand a greater level of service and choice.
Recent advances in thermoplastic polymers has led to the development of materials which are stronger aesthetics and hygienically superior to the old nylon flexible materials.
Duraflex is an ethylene propylene based material which has a semi- crystalline polymer structure, an improvement in both strength and durability. Duraflex is manufactured with non-polar elastomers which are resistant to polar solvents such as water, acids and alkalies and is highly resistant to water absorption. Duraflex exhibits high chemical resistance and poor surface adhesions properties, food will not stick to the surface of the appliance assuring a clean denture, attributed to the low surface free energy of the material.
Duraflex is inert and does not contain phthalates thus mitigate and concerns in regards to allergies. Duraflex is resilient and thermoplastic which can be easily adjusted and polished chair side unlike nylon material which is quite difficult to polish after adjustment. Duraflex is a light, life like, colour stable and resilient material with natural translucently, assuring positive aesthetics resulting in greater patient acceptance.
Duraflex appliances are manufactured using an automated heating and injection system, removing human error from the production process, resulting in a consistent and predictable quality product.
So what does this all mean for you and your patient? A more hygienic, comfortable and aesthetic denture, which maintains its appearance for life of the appliance resulting in a positive outcome for both patient and operator alike.
