Removable partial dentures are recommended in areas of the mouth where there is a combination of multiple missing teeth with at least a few remaining natural teeth that can be used for anchorage and support. It is also possible to use a combination of dental implants and remaining natural teeth to support a partial denture. As removable partial dentures rely on both the soft (gum) tissue as well as natural teeth and/or dental implants, there are typically several options available to optimize the appearance as well as the comfort of the prosthesis.

The traditional method used to secure a partial denture in the mouth is accomplished through the use of metal clasps that make use of the contours of the supporting teeth. However, the upper front area of the mouth provides for unique esthetic challenges when designing a partial denture requiring techniques used to “hide” the retentive features in order to avoid the display of a metal clasp.  Dr. Benting personally designs and constructs each partial denture to meet specific individual needs and desired esthetic results.

Dr. Benting has successfully created dental solutions for many patients using a traditional partial denture as the chosen treatment. Below is one such example.

This patient came to Dr. Benting demonstrating advanced adult periodontal disease resulting in tooth loss.
Following an examination, there were several teeth that could be maintained long-term and used as anchors to support a removable partial denture that added teeth where needed. In this situation, the upper and lower partial dentures were custom designed to fill the areas where the upper and lower front teeth were missing.
The retracted view shows the metal clasp arms that attach the removable partial denture to the anchoring teeth.
The clasp arms were designed to minimize the display of metal, but could be eliminated completely with special attachments. Due to the position of the remaining upper teeth, the coverage of the palatal area could be minimized to improve comfort without compromising structural integrity.
The lower partial denture was also designed to maximize the support provided by the anchor teeth while maintaining the structural integrity of the prosthesis.
The final treatment result gave this patient a long-term highly functioning outcome while maintaining several of the remaining healthy teeth.

Over time, the gums and bone supporting the denture will shrink causing the partial denture to become loose and perhaps add unfavorable leverage forces to the supporting teeth. Periodic visits to your prosthodontist are necessary to check the fit of your removable partial denture as well as the contact to the opposing teeth. It may be required that your removable partial denture be adjusted and refit. It is also important to check the overall health of your mouth to help ensure optimal, long-lasting results from your treatment.