Partial dentures – shapes of saddles

In general, making edentulous saddles similar in shape and extension to that of a complete denture maximises the retention, support and stability of removable partial dentures. For instance, in mandibular free end saddle partial dentures (Kennedy Classes I and II), extending the saddle over the retromolar pad improves the retention of the lower by allowing the soft tissues of the cheek and the tongue to sit on top of the polished surface, stabilising it rather like a “sandbag”.

In edentulous areas located in the anterior region (Kennedy Class IV) the saddle extension gives the best lip support if extended to the depth of the sulcus under the base of the nose. Not sure I agree with this general statement. In addition, maximising the extension of the saddle allows greater distribution of masticatory forces over the supporting soft tissues, rather like a snow shoe compared with a stiletto heel.

These shapes are generated in the definitive impression stage, by border moulding correctly extended special trays.

Denture Blog 49

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