A removable partial denture is a restoration that replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been damaged and lost. As its name describes, removable partial dentures can readily be taken out of the mouth for cleaning.A partial denture may have a metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth, or they can have other connectors that are more natural looking.
Removable partial dentures are preferred in case of long span edentulous cases, distal extension cases, in case where implants can’t be placed, economic constraints, periodontically weak adjacent teeth, where fixed prosthesis cannot be given etc. Removable partial dentures are also used as immediate dentures especially in aesthetic region to replace the tooth instantly after extraction till bone healing is complete to receive a fixed prosthesis, removable final prosthesis or an implant.
Removable complete denture takes it support from the underlying bone, soft tissues and adjacent teeth.
Different materials used are cold cure acrylic, heat cure acrylic, lucitone, valplast. Implant supported removable partial dentures can also be made. Over-dentures also have better support and stability.
Removable partial dentures help to restore facial aesthetics, function and speech. They have to be cleaned regularly after every meal.