Ultaire™ AKP is a Robust Replacement for Metal in Removable Partials
A review of the new high-performance polymer from Solvay Dental 360
As patients gain knowledge of holistic and cosmetic dentistry, dentists are fielding more requests for metal-free, biocompatible dental work. Those who wear partials are particularly interested in devices that are lighter in weight, tasteless, metal-free, durable, and of course esthetic. While products have come and gone over the years, none have satisfied all of these requests. Due to the introduction of Solvay’s UltaireTM AKP, a performance polymer, a metal replacement is now available. In nearly all categories, from design and clinical steps, to performance and ease of implementation, UltaireTM AKP is the new materi
al that replaces metal.
“Metal free alternatives abound, but none with the attributes that UltaireTM AKP offers the practitioner, patient and laboratory. The ability to closely follow textbook RPD standards is a big plus for the doctor. This leads to less surprises with outcomes. Surveyed and designed frames that are tooth-supported and retentive are expected, and possible. Biocompatibility, taste-free, comfort and esthetics directly affect patient acceptance. And, CAD/CAM fabrication significantly enhances the workflow and predictability for the laboratory. After fabricating many complete partials with Ultaire™ AKP frames, we are convinced that it represents the most revolutionary innovation in partial dentures that we’ve seen in centuries”, BJ Kowalski, President ROE.
UltaireTM offers additional benefits. Due to its flexibility and light-weight material properties, clasps are shorter, slightly thicker and placed deeper into the undercut area. This allows for more esthetic prosthetics and a ‘snap-fit’. Material thickness is near to, or slightly thicker than, cast metal frames. This is an improvement over other metal-free materials with regard to patient acceptance. Due to its flexural strength, design of palatal straps, lingual straps and minor connectors nearly mimic traditional RPD standards. This is a detour from other non-metal partials. Bulkiness of material, clasps supported by labial soft tissue coverage, and speech effects are contra-indication to other materials. As with all partial dentures, cases should be surveyed and designed, and undercut created when necessary for maximum retention. Today, frames are designed using CAD/CAM and therefore survey and undercut are precise and easily communicated the dentist via model preparation, or 3D sharing.
***The acrylics on the market do not have the strength to withstand intense loading without breakage, nor could they work without metal clasping.
