Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth when the remaining teeth are few or weakened.

In this situation, all the posterior teeth are missing. Implants would have to be placed to support the posterior portion of a non-removable bridge. This makes the placement of a removable partial denture a realistic treatment.

Impressions are taken and a removable partial denture is fabricated. It is partly supported by the gums and partly supported by the teeth. The missing teeth are replaced by the partial denture and function is restored.

In most cases, a partial denture should be removed when sleeping. This allows the gums which are covered by the partial denture to "relax".

The partial denture has a few disadvantages as compared to a fixed bridge. The partial denture

Functions less efficiently than natural teeth or fixed bridgework
Creates more stress on the teeth it attaches to
Is less cosmetically appealing
Is not as self-cleansing

The partial denture does have the advantage of replacing one or ten teeth for the same cost.

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