Clinical Techniques

Our Flexibility Means Adjustability

Valplast uses a unique tissue bearing technique for retention for which no tooth or tissue preparation is needed. Your Certified Valplast Laboratory requires only a model poured promptly from an alginate impression and counter-model. A wax try-in is suggested prior to completion of the case. Special abrasives and techniques will allow you to make adjustments and fine tune the fit of any Valplast® partial just as you would with acrylic. Follow these simple instructions to ensure success when working with your next Valplast® case.

First Insertion of a Valplast® Denture

Valplast® resin is engineered to provide exactly the right degree of strength and flexibility inside a patients mouth. In order to facilitate a smooth first insertion of the denture it is best to simulate the conditions of the oral environment by bringing the Valplast® denture up to body temperature. This may be done by immersing the denture in hot tap water for a period of 30-60 seconds before inserting it in the patients mouth. This will give the material the same flexural modulus that it would have at body temperature and will enable the patient to adapt to their new prosthesis faster and easier. This procedure will also provide you with important information regarding the fit and comfort of the denture in the event that it may need minor adjustments.

Adjusting a Clasp

Because material thickness and the design of a clasp play an important role in providing retention and stability to a Valplast® Flexible Partial Denture, it is important to exercise caution when adjusting a Valplast® clasp. In many cases it may not be necessary to adjust the thickness or gingival extension of a Valplast® clasp as this could change the flexibility of the material. If a clasp fits too tight in the patients mouth it is recommended to place the clasp in hot water for 60 seconds then bend the clasp outwards and allow it to cool down gradually to relax the elastic memory of the material. If a clasp is too loose you may use the same technique, bending the clasp inwards to tighten it.

Minor Relief

In some cases it may be necessary to provide minor relief to the denture in order to provide a better fit and increased comfort to the patient. This may be done by using the Valplast® #13 Green Stone on a slow speed handpiece to relieve the denture surfaces and borders. A constant motion of the bur over the material contact surface will yield a very smooth surface that usually does not require repolishing.

Adding Teeth & Rebasing Valplast®

To add teeth to Valplast®, take an alginate impression with the case in place in the mouth. Remove the case from the mouth while still in the impression, making sure that all pastes and adhesives have been removed and the partial is fully seated in the impression. Pour the model promptly and forward it to your Certified Valplast® Laboratory with your prescription. To rebase a Valplast® partial, begin by taking a rubber base impression underneath the case. The patients mouth should be closed to ensure full and correct occlusion as the rubber base material sets. When the rubber base has set, take an overall alginate impression and remove the case from the mouth making sure that the case is still properly positioned in the impression. Pour the model promptly and forward to the laboratory without separating the denture from the model.