Solvay Dental releases removable partial denture study

Solvay® Dental 360 released new data from the REFRAME removable partial dentures (RPD) Post-Market Clinical Study-said to be one of the most extensive cohort trials conducted on RPDs to date. 

The study results show that four out of five patients preferred a frame made from Ultaire® AKP over those made from cobalt chrome (CoCr), while also demonstrating a statistically significant* improvement in their quality of life.¹

"We're very excited by the REFRAME study results," said Shawn Shorrock, global director, Solvay Dental 360. "It validates what we've been hearing from both dentists and their patients – that a removable partial denture made from Ultaire AKP provides a previously unattainable level of comfort and performance when compared to metal. We now have a proven solution with critical patient benefits backed by data." 

The REFRAME study was a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter, cohort study that evaluated the change in patient Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) from wearing a CoCr to wearing an Ultaire AKP RPD. Conducted by the College of Dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the School of Dentistry at the University of Leeds, the trial enrolled 40 patients who had previously worn a CrCo RPD.

Patients experienced improvements in the majority of OHRQoL factors, most importantly their comfort when eating, speaking and engaging in their social interaction, self-esteem, and their satisfaction with respect to their oral health.¹

When given the option, 80 percent of patients preferred an Ultaire AKP RPD over cobalt chrome, according to Professor Brian Nattress, DDS, and principal investigator from the School of Dentistry at the University of Leeds.

"Globally, the increase in life expectancy and overall increase of the aging population means more patients will require an effective solution for missing teeth. Typically, dentists prescribe cobalt chrome RPDs, but patients may complain of discomfort, sensitivities, inflammation, and embarrassment," said Dr. Nattress. "The REFRAME study is important because it looked not only at dental outcomes but also the impact on patient quality of life.”

Ultaire AKP is an aryl ketone polymer that was engineered to provide a biocompatible, lightweight, and non-irritating alternative to metal for removable partial dentures. Ultaire AKP was designed to be rigid and supportive yet have enough flexibility to protect the abutment teeth and preserve gum tissue. They are said to be digitally designed for an accurate fit and hold their shape, requiring fewer adjustments.

For more information, visit solvaydental360.com.

*P-value associated with change in OHIP Score: P=0.0005

¹Solvay Dental 360. (2020). REFRAME RPD Post-Market Clinical Study (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ IdentierNCT03198520).