Removable partial dentures
What are removable partial dentures?
Removable partial dentures are extraoral appliances used to replace anywhere from one to multiple teeth. They are secured to the remaining teeth by means of retainers (clasps being the most common) to replace specific missing teeth rather than the entire dental arch. Like all dental prostheses, removable dentures aim to replace missing teeth.
In addition to teeth, these removable partial dentures can replace bone and gum tissues when they have been lost over time or due to infections.
Being removable, they facilitate the hygiene of both the artificial pieces and the natural teeth remaining in the mouth. Furthermore, they provide the opportunity to improve chewing, aesthetics, and speech. However, they do have some drawbacks, as they can lead to an overload on the teeth supporting the clasps and accelerate the atrophy process of the bone and gum tissues on which they rest.
Fill out the contact form if you need to book an appointment at our dental clinic in Valencia:
Furthermore, they can initially cause sore spots on the gums and a feeling of instability; the adaptation process requires time and special care until the patient is no longer conscious of wearing a prosthesis.
Due to these drawbacks, these removable dentures are generally not the primary option today for restoring a patient’s smile when teeth are missing. When a patient meets the general health and bone availability criteria for dental implants, implants provide a solution that more closely resembles natural teeth in both aesthetics and function.
Even so, at our advanced dental clinic in Valencia, removable partial dentures still have clear indications. Their primary use is as provisional prostheses to temporarily restore aesthetics for patients who must wait after receiving dental implants or bone grafts. Another lesser indication—but one that will never disappear—is as definitive prostheses for patients who, due to a serious illness, cannot undergo dental implant surgery.
Types of removable partial dentures
Cast Partial Dentures
These are removable dentures that feature a metal framework to which the artificial teeth and pink acrylic, mimicking the gums, are attached. In turn, this metal framework has clasps or rests that hook onto the remaining natural teeth, keeping the prosthesis in place.
The metal part also consists of a bar of varying width that connects both sides of the prosthesis. Fundamentally, it must include a major connector or framework, minor connectors, retainers, bases, occlusal rests, stabilizing elements, and indirect retainers.
If this treatment is chosen, it is very important to know that, depending on the location, some aesthetics may be sacrificed (as the patient’s clasps may be visible). Additionally, hygiene is a fundamental factor to prevent food debris from being trapped by the prosthesis, which increases plaque accumulation on the remaining healthy teeth.
This type of prosthesis is rarely used as a provisional option in dental implant treatments due to its higher cost compared to acrylic partial dentures.
Acrylic Removable Dentures
Like cast partial dentures, acrylic partial dentures also rely on the remaining teeth for support, using wrought or cast retainers. They are less commonly used as definitive prostheses, since cast partial dentures offer higher quality. In most cases, they are used as provisional prostheses, or when the remaining natural teeth are in poor condition.
They are made of acrylic resin, a material used to mimic the anatomy of the teeth and gums, filling the gaps left by missing teeth in the mouth. Likewise, they feature small clasps that secure them to adjacent teeth.
Advantages of removable partial dentures
The primary advantage of removable partial dentures is the ability to replace missing teeth affordably. If a patient opts for this treatment, they must keep in mind that good hygiene will be key to its durability and to limiting collateral damage to the remaining teeth caused by plaque accumulation, which increases the risk of cavities and the loss of supporting teeth. The patient has the advantage of utilizing their removable nature to perform proper cleaning of the pieces, which is considered a major benefit. Additionally, the durability of removable partial dentures and their capacity to adapt to the specific needs of elderly patients represent a significant advantage.
Disadvantages of removable partial dentures
It is a disadvantage that removable partial dentures rely on healthy teeth for support within the dentition. If proper hygiene is not maintained, the risk of developing severe periodontal diseases and cavities increases significantly due to plaque accumulation.
Another consequence is that, over time, the remaining teeth used for support can shift or displace, eventually affecting the jawbone. The prosthetic framework also tends to cause discomfort and ulcerations that require evaluation and adjustments by the dentist.
The metal and plastic components can fracture with wear and tear, requiring immediate removal and inspection to prevent potential damage to other teeth or soft tissues within the oral cavity.
It is also worth noting the aesthetic disadvantage of this type of prosthesis compared to implant-based options, since the clasps are almost always visible and the artificial teeth lack a completely natural appearance, shape, and shade.
Finally, a major disadvantage is that they rarely achieve the level of comfort provided by implant treatments. Being removable, they can also shift within the patient’s mouth, and this instability can become an issue for some patients.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to consult our expert dentists in dental prostheses in Valencia. At our dental clinics located in the capital of the Turia, we have the finest professionals at the service of your oral health.
Book an appointment for your removable partial dentures in Valencia
At the IDIM Institute of Implantology, led by the Peñarrocha doctors, we don’t just care for your smile—we provide effective solutions, backed by our extensive experience and dedication.
With over 30 years of specialization in dental implantology, we apply advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology to ensure the best results for our patients.
Fill out the following form and book your appointment for your removable partial dentures in Valencia, with no obligation.
+34 963 34 46 75