Cast partial dentures: designing the framework

What the laboratory needs

• An accurate impression of the arch to be treated: remaining teeth, edentulous areas and vestibules well recorded, with no bubbles or tears where the framework will rest.
• The opposing arch, as an impression or a scan.
• A bite registration when the remaining teeth do not allow the models to be articulated in a stable position.
• Any mouth preparations (occlusal rest seats, guide planes), so the design takes them into account.
• The shade and tooth mould if the setup is included in the order.

We accept both conventional impressions and intraoral scans. For a case received as a scan, we print the models at the laboratory.

Showing us the framework design

The online prescription includes a drawing area on the arch: sketch the framework there as you would on a paper prescription. The drawing is attached to the PDF work order we receive.

• The abutment teeth and the type of clasp you want on each one.
• The occlusal rests.
• The major connector (lingual bar, lingual plate, palatal strap or palatal plate).
• The saddles and the teeth to be replaced.

Would you rather have the laboratory propose the design? Order a partial denture survey and design: we survey your models and send you a framework design to approve before fabrication (2 business days).

Steps and turnaround times

1. Survey and design (optional): 2 business days.
2. Metal framework fabrication: 15 business days.
3. Tooth setup: 5 business days.
4. Processing and finishing: 5 business days.

Depending on how you work, you can order each step separately, with a try-in between each one, or combine them:

• Framework + setup: 19 business days.
• Framework + setup + processing: 20 business days.
• Framework + composite: 19 business days.
• Framework + setup + composite: 21 business days.

Turnaround times are in business days, excluding weekends and statutory holidays. See all our turnaround times.

Avoiding remakes

• Check the impression before sending it: an area poorly recorded under the framework often leads to a difficult fit.
• Note anything out of the ordinary on the prescription: a tooth to be extracted soon, a clasp to avoid for esthetic reasons, a known metal allergy.
• If you are unsure about the design, call us at (819) 573-2115 before sending the case: we will review it with you.

Learn more about our cast partial dentures.