The use of cast etched resin-bonded extracoronal attachments to support removable partial dentures

Cast etched resin-bonded extracoronal attachments provide a new method of treatment for a partially edentulous, caries-free dentition. Electrochemically etched nonprecious retainers with extracoronal attachments are bonded with composite resin to caries-free unrestored abutment teeth to support a removable partial denture. The advantages of this technique are that little enamel is lost because preparation is minimal, restoration margins are supragingival, placement of the partial denture is excellent, and esthetics is satisfactory. The preparation of a resistance form, and thus the primary mechanical retention of the metal frame of the retainer, seems to be the main factor in long-term success. The absence of long-term results limits the use of this technique to carefully selected groups of patients.