placement path, the direction of insertion and removal of a removable partial denture on its supporting oral structures. The path can be varied by altering the plane to which the guiding abutment surfaces of the denture are made parallel. The choice of a placement path is considered a compromise that best fulfills five requirements: minimal torque on abutment teeth, minimal interference, maximum retention, establishment of adequate guide plane surfaces, and acceptable aesthetic qualities. Also called path of insertion.
