Removable Partials

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. As removable partial dentures rely on both the soft (gum) tissue as well as natural teeth, 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. The upper front area of the mouth provides for unique esthetic challenges with techniques to “hide” the retentive features in order to avoid the display of a metal clasp.

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.

Removable Partial Dentures

This patient presents with advanced adult periodontal disease (A). Following an evaluation, there were several teeth that could be maintained long-term and used as anchors to support a removable prosthesis that added teeth where needed. In this situation, the upper and lower partial dentures were designed to fill the areas where the upper and lower front teeth were missing (B). The retracted view shows the metal clasp arms that attach the traditional removable partial to the anchoring teeth (C). The clasp arms are designed to minimize the display of metal, but can 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 (D). The lower partial prosthesis is also designed to maximize the support provided by the anchor teeth while maintaining the structural integrity of the prosthesis (E).

The following case illustrates a situation where several teeth were either fractured or breaking apart, and the existing partial denture was worn to the point where it was no longer serviceable (F). The dental treatment plan included full coverage restorations (crowns or caps) with upper and lower removable partial prosthesis in the areas where the teeth were missing. A special design was made for the partial to attach behind the upper right canine without the display of a metal clap arm during a broad smile (G). The traditional metal clasp arms provided retention in the areas that do not show when smiling.