Overtreatment with removable partial dentures in shortened dental arches

In our cultural pattern shortened dental arches are frequently seen, as molars are often seriously afflicted by caries and periodontal disease. The necessary restorative treatment is often omitted because of lack of motivation and/or financial limitations. Clinical investigations among subjects with shortened dental arches show that there is sufficient adaptive capacity to maintain adequate oral function when at least tour occlusal units are left, preferably in a symmetrical position. Treatment by providing free‐end removable partial dentures introduces unfavourable conditions for the remaining dentition. Overtreatment with these appliances is caused by traditional mechanically and morphologically oriented occlusal concepts, disregard of the adaptive capacity in biologic systems, and quantity promoting fee schedules. Problem solving approaches in occlusal therapy should be stimulated to prevent overtreatment.