An Overview of Precision Attachments

Precision attachments are retainers for removable bridgework partial dentures and full dentures (overdenture) where few abutments remain. The main purpose besides retention is its concealment within or under a restoration as a better alternative to a visible clasp retainer. As precision attachment consists of two functional units, the primary part is incorporated into the abutment construction and the secondary part is built into the removable appliance, bridge, partial denture or full denture. A dentist who wishes to use precision attachments should have a basic understanding of fine mechanics. The dentist must familiarize himself with mounting procedures after recording, practice delicate soldering and also assess the purpose and strength, and limits of the attachment to be used.He should be able to cut a bar attachment on the parallelometer and wax up a patrix over it, also he should be able to cope with any repair or replacement that occur in daily practice.