Archives

The Shortened Dental Arch (SDA) concept introduced as early as 1981 by Kayser and was accepted by a great majority of dentists but not widely practiced. The SDA comprising anterior and premolar teeth in general fulfill the requirements of a functional dentition. Patients’ needs and demands vary much and should be individually assessed but the SDA concept deserves to be included in all treatment planning for partially edentulous patients. The SDA concept is relevant for developing countries as it offers a functional approach at a reduced cost without compromising patient’s oral health care.

developing countries, functional approach, functional dentition, shortened dental arch, treatment planning