Flexible partial dentures in Nigeria: a case series on clinical indications, patient experience, and outcomes.

Case Series of Flexible Partial Dentures

Abstract

Background: Flexible partial dentures, a 50-year-old technology, have been underutilized in Nigeria despite their potential to transform patient care. Compared to conventional removable partial dentures (RPDs) made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and cast metal, flexible dentures offer improved comfort and durability. Although widely adopted in advanced countries, their use in Nigeria remains limited in the literature.

Objective: To present our initial experience with flexible partial dentures in five patients with diverse clinical needs, and highlight their clinical indications, patient experiences before, and outcomes after treatment.

Case Series: This case series outlines the clinical journeys of seven patients who transitioned from conventional acrylic dentures to flexible partial dentures due to issues such as poor fit, mucosal irritation, frequent fractures, and anatomical challenges. Each patient was carefully evaluated and fitted with customized flexible dentures that significantly improved comfort, fit, and functionality. The diverse cases illustrate how flexible partial dentures adapt to complex oral conditions and patient preferences, highlighting their practical advantages in a Nigerian clinical context

Conclusion: This case series demonstrates the successful use of nylon-based materials in removable partial dentures with outcomes suggesting that flexible dentures offer a viable, patient-friendly alternative to traditional methods, supporting broader clinical application in resource-limited settings.