[Computer-aided design for occlusal rest of the removable partial denture].

Objective: To explore the route of automatic computer-aided design for occlusal rest of the removable partial denture.

Methods: A new module for the design of occlusal rest was developed. The three-dimensional data of a partially dentate dental cast was obtained and imported into the new module. The contour of the occlusal's tissue surface was identified. Then, the tissue surface and polished surface were constructed respectively and connected to each other to form an integrated entity.

Results: The surface of the occlusal rest was smooth and the curvature matched that of the surrounding area of the abutment tooth. The accuracy was satisfying.

Conclusion: Design of occlusal rest was much more convenient and time-saving using the newly developed module. The future development of special software package for the design of removable partial denture will benefit from it.