Rotational path partial denture design: a 10-year clinical follow-up--Part II.

A review of the rotational path removable partial denture design concept has been presented. The rigid direct retainers used in these designs satisfy the basic requirements of clasp designs. The reported results of a survey of the members of The Academy of Prosthodontics may provide insight into the reasons for reluctance on the part of some practitioners to use the concept more often when indicated. Possible reasons include the following: lack of sufficient understanding of the concept, difficulty in obtaining knowledgeable laboratory support, absence of documented evidence of long-term clinical success, and a general lack of confidence in the efficacy of the procedure as described in the literature. This article presents references that are available to improve the understanding of technicians and dentists with regard to the rotational path concept. In addition, several patients followed up for 10 or more years demonstrated long-term clinical success.