Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are composed of a metal framework with plastic teeth and gum areas. The framework includes metal clasps or other attachments, which hold the denture in place. However, partial dentures are removed easily for cleaning. Fixed partial dentures, which most people call bridges, are cemented in place and better simulate natural teeth. Bridges are more expensive than removable partial dentures, however, and require healthy adjacent teeth to support them.

Two types of attachments are used in partial dentures — metal clasps and precision attachments. Metal clasps are C-shaped, I-shaped and Y-shaped parts of the denture framework that fit around neighboring natural teeth. These teeth may require shaping to help hold the clasps and keep the denture securely in place. A precision attachment is like a key fitting into a keyhole. A crown that is placed over your tooth contains the "keyhole." The denture contains the "key." When you put in your denture, the "key" fits into the "keyhole" in the crown. This type of denture looks better because no clasps are visible and it also fits tighter. However, it does take more skill to place in the mouth because the "key" must fit exactly into the "keyhole."