Sunflex® Partial Dentures
The flexibility of the Sunflex resin can be used in three basic designs.
Sunflex® partial dentures can be designed with a lightweight, metal-free base or used in combination with a cast-metal partial framework for enhanced stability and natural-looking esthetics. With either option, dentists can be assured they are providing their patients with the finest in partial denture treatment.
The Sunflex pressure-injected, flexible denture base resin is ideal for partial dentures. The resin is a biocompatible nylon thermoplastic with unique physical and esthetic properties. The material is in the family of superpolymides (a very pure nylon) that will not deteriorate chemically when it comes into contact with the fluids, bacteria, and physical environment of the mouth.
Benefits
Natural Esthetics: Patients benefit from the natural tissue blend effect of the thin clasp design and the translucency that picks up the natural tissue tone. Patient Comfort: Partial dentures can be made very thin, reducing the bulk required for strength in acrylic base materials. The thinness yields more sensation while the flexibility of the material absorbs a portion of the shock of movement under mastication. Durability: Sunflex provides exceptional compressive, impact, and bending strength and will not deteriorate chemically when it comes into contact with the fluids, bacteria, and physical environment of the mouth. Biocompatibility: Sunflex is monomer-free and hypoallergenic. Stress-Breaking Function: The flexibility of the Sunflex resin achieves the effect of a stress-breaker without attachments. The gingiva tissue is gently stimulated under mastication, and unnatural stresses on the remaining teeth are substantially reduced.
Indications
Sunflex can be used in three basic designs:
- Sunflex Bilateral Partial Denture: The metal-free, flexible Sunflex Partial provides a fully functional, yet esthetically superior, removable partial denture that can be made with or without rest seats (Figure 1).
- Sunflex Unilateral Partial Denture: The unilateral Sunflex restoration provides patients with an esthetic, functional design alternative to conventional cross-arch partial dentures. Base combined with the thin clasp designs provide maximum retention, stability, and esthetic appeal.
- Combination Sunflex with Cast-Metal Framework Partial Denture: Sunflex partial dentures can also be used with frameworks for enhanced stability is indicated for free end-saddle cases (Figure 2).
The flexibility of the Sunflex resin allows the design to take full advantage of available undercuts, which are specially recessed areas of supporting alveolar contours. The clasps and finger extensions pass over high points and protuberances easily, relaxing into the natural undercut to provide retention without pressure at the contact point. Under mastication, the gentle movement of the base creates a slight massaging effect over the natural gum. This produces a stimulation that has been shown to retard the deterioration of natural tissue and bone.
Preparation and Shade Selection
Preparations are a vital part of the function mechanics for Sunflex Partials. Dentists should send a master cast poured promptly and carefully from an alginate impression along with opposing model and bite registration.
Sunflex is produced to remain translucent after processing, with a simulation of natural blood vessels. The translucency readily adapts to a variety of natural tissue shades. The resin is also available in five different tones, ranging from lighter to darker: Crystal, Light Pink, Pink, Medium Meharry, and Dark Meharry.
Insertion and Adjustment
Immediately prior to inserting it in the patient’s mouth, immerse the Sunflex restoration in very hot tap water. Leave the partial in the water for approximately 2 minutes. Remove the partial from the water and allow it to cool just to the point where it can be tolerated by the patient. Gently insert the partial in the mouth. If the patient senses any discomfort because of tightness of a clasp, the clasp may be loosened slightly by immersing that area of the partial in hot water and bending the clasp outward. If a clasp requires tightening, the clasp area may be immersed in hot water and bent inward to tighten.
If adjustments are necessary after insertion, they can be made easily. The abrasive that is most effective with a handpiece is a green silicone-carbide abrasive point usually used for porcelain or precious metals (Figure 3). The green point will permit fine adjustments to be made with a minimal degree of roughness on the surface. Simply use a rapid motion (with a light touch) and continuously vary the contact point. The point can be used for effective reduction of the periphery edge, relief in tissue-contacting areas, and relief in supporting areas to relieve tightness or difficulty in insertion and removal.
Disclaimer
The preceding material was provided by the manufacturer. The statements and opinions contained therein are solely those of the manufacturer and not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dentistry.
For More Information, Contact:
Sun Dental Labs
Phone: 866-561-9777
Web: www.sundentallabs.com
