What is a key characteristic of a Kennedy Class IV RPD?

A Kennedy Class IV removable partial denture (RPD) is characterized by the presence of an edentulous area located anterior to the remaining natural teeth. This typically includes a bilateral edentulous space that crosses the midline, meaning there are missing teeth on both sides of the arch but remaining teeth posteriorly, which creates a specific design challenge for the prosthesis.

The anterior positioning of the edentulous area is significant because it requires careful consideration of esthetics and function. The design of such an RPD needs to ensure stability and support while maintaining a natural appearance for the patient.

Other classifications, such as unilateral or bilateral distal extensions, are not applicable to this specific class because they do not describe the anterior positioning of the edentulous space that is described in a Kennedy Class IV.