Ultaire™ AKP is a new high-performance aryl ketone polymer (AKP) from Solvay Dental 360™. This high-performance polymer is specifically formulated to meet critical performance requirements for dental applications, including removable partial denture (RPD) frames. Ultaire™ AKP is not a flexible material, but rather it is a rigid product, suitable as a metal replacement, and provided in a disc form (known as Dentivera™ milling disc) designed for use within a CAD/CAM digital workflow. Ultaire™ AKP has been specifically developed for use with 3Shape™ CAD software, but other CAD software options are possible. Contact your Solvay Dental 360™ representative for more information. For milling, many combinations of CAM software and milling machines are possible.
Ultaire™ AKP frames are:Patients will love the "no metal" look, which may increase compliance (they'll wear them more consistently). Because it is metal-free, it does not leave a metallic taste in the mouth and eliminates the risk of metal sensitivity.
Dentists and lab technicians will appreciate the workflow efficiency and the fit within the mouth.
A custom impression tray should be prepared for every case.
The model should be blocked out evenly, not only for undercuts, but also to allow for a consistent thickness of impression material to minimize the potential for distortion.
A specific clasp has been designed for frames made from Ultaire™ AKP called the "Ultaire™ AKP Clasp". This clasp design is shorter than those used for metal applications. The Ultaire™ AKP Clasp is designed to provide adequate retention, and yet is strong enough to withstand breakage.
The lingual bar should be designed to fit the patient's anatomical shape for optimal patient comfort.
Undercut engagement should follow known removable partial denture design principles. Some cases, however, may allow for deeper undercut engagement without the risk of ulceration.
The orientation angle for surveying is also used to obtain the correct insertion angle of the frame. The orientation angle may be kept as a default or adjusted by the designer.
Back To TopOcclusal rests can be milled to fit current rest seat procedures, although the dentist may determine if it is beneficial to design the rest seats differently for certain patients.
Standard rest preparation procedures apply. The marginal ridge should be removed from the abutment. This will allow for optimal build-up (thickness) of material.
Back To TopFrames made from Ultaire™ AKP may be trimmed within design guidelines using a standard cross-cut carbide bur. Dentists may trim the frame until the fit is optimal, but take care not to remove too much because it may lead to compromised function or breakage. Contact Solvay Dental 360™ tech support for questions about trimming; call 1-844-659-1869 or email SolvayDental360.com.
Ultaire™ AKP Clasps are specifically designed for optimal use; however, if a clasp is too tight or putting undue pressure on an abutment, the dentist may use a tapered, cross-cut carbide bur on slow speed to shave the clasp with small strokes. The dentist should use great care when shaving a clasp so as not to remove too much material because the clasp cannot be tightened and the frame must be remade. Clasp modification may also lead to compromised function or breakage.
If speech is not optimal, modifications to the acrylic denture base can be made by re-contouring with a standard carbide bur. Do not adjust the Ultaire AKP frame. Occlusal problems can be detected using occlusal paper or spray to obtain markings. Adjust denture teeth that show markings for optimal occlusion and function.
Back To TopStrength characteristics for Ultaire™ AKP are well above acrylics and acetyls that are on the market today. The flexural strength of any material used for removable partial dentures needs to be high enough to withstand loading and not break. At 148 MPa, Ultaire™ AKP has flexural properties that are well above minimum requirements for denture base materials.
For more information and to see a complete list of Ultaire™ AKP material properties, please visit SolvayDental360.com.