Is functional impression essential for the success of removable partial dentures?

ABSTRACT Removable partial dentures are a viable option for the rehabilitation of partially edentulous arches in dentistry. Their success depends on biological, mechanical, psychological, and technical factors, with the impression process being fundamental to achieving proper fit and patient comfort. Functional impressions, which mimic dynamic oral activities such as mastication and swallowing, are particularly beneficial in distal extension cases, as they provide better tissue support and reduce excessive loading on abutment teeth and surrounding soft tissues. However, the limited number of comparative studies between functional impressions and conventional static techniques has hindered a comprehensive understanding of their clinical advantages, leading to a lack of consensus in the literature. This review analyzes current scientific and technical data on the role of functional impressions in the success of removable partial dentures. The searches were conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and Lilacs databases, without date restriction, resulting in the selection of 13 articles for final analysis. Although recent studies using contemporary materials are scarce, historical evidence suggests that functional impressions, particularly with the modified impression technique, offer better adaptation and stability than single static impressions. Furthermore, advancements in digital impression technologies are transforming the functional impression process, improving accuracy and reducing chairside time. Despite these innovations, the unique biomechanical demands of removable partial dentures make functional impressions essential for balanced force distribution, preventing prosthetic failures, and ensuring long-term treatment success.