What is a primary characteristic of tooth-supported RPDs?

Tooth-supported removable partial dentures (RPDs) are characterized primarily by their reliance on existing teeth for stability. This means that they are designed to utilize the natural teeth in the arch to provide support and retention, making them effective in maintaining both function and esthetics for the patient.

When existing teeth are present, the RPD framework can be engineered to engage undercuts and provide clasps that hook onto these teeth, creating resistance to movement and enhancing the overall stability of the denture. This stability is crucial as it reduces the load on the supporting soft tissues and enhances patient comfort.

In contrast, RPDs that rely heavily on the mucosa do not offer the same level of stability, as they depend on soft tissue support, which can be less resilient and more variable than tooth support. This highlights the importance of utilizing teeth whenever possible in RPD design for improved functionality and patient satisfaction.