In this article, we will go over what is needed to send an RPD case to us for design
Note: There are 3 kinds of partials we can design based on the material.
- Acrylic base - Designed by the Denture team (Different Order Set Up).
- Metal - Designed by the RPD team.
- Flexible base - Designed by the Denture Team under Partial Denture.
To start we will need both the upper and lower STLs zipped together with a 'texture' scan (if available) This can be in a zipped folder you have created, or the order can be exported from your 3Shape.
Note: We design RPDs in 3Shape only, we do not design RPDs in Exocad or Sirona.
Order Set Up
The case is set for RPD both in the upper and lower arch.
The difference is that in the upper arch, we can make an RPD including the palatal area, while in the lower arch, it is not possible because the tongue is present.
Upper scan example:
Lower scan example:
Steps to send the case
You will drag and drop the zipped folder and choose RPD as the design type, the correct arch on the arch chart, and any design guide codes that match what you need.
Select the correct Design Guide Codes in the design guide section. Once you have all the design guide codes selected, please provide any remaining instructions that the codes didn’t cover, in the instructions box.
Lastly, choose the manufacturer you wish to send to or choose 'In-house manufacturing' if you are manufacturing yourself, or want to send the finished design to a 3rd party manufacturer at a later time.
Note: What is a 'texture' scan?
- A pencil drawing is performed directly on the cast (NEVER use a Sharpie-type marker). As a reminder, it should include the following:
- Major connector type,
- Mesh retention area,
- Post-type retention if required
- Guide planes position,
- Rests position,
- Different clasps,
- Tissue stops, etc…
- Bead lines are carved if required and any positive bubbles are removed and voids are filled
- Scan is performed selecting «texture scan» option in the scan settings
- STL file is generated from a scan of the cast
Once all steps have been completed you are ready to send. Just click on the blue paper airplane to send. The turnaround time is 24 business Hours!
If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team.
You can email us at designservices@3shape.com, call us at +1 602-688-4133, or use our Live Chat feature, available Monday - Friday, from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (MST).
For International Support, please contact us at +44 159-572-8586, available Monday - Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (CET).