Partial Dentures

 

While complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing, partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by the missing teeth, it also prevents other teeth from drifting and changing position.

 

The design of a removable partial denture is very important. Removable partial dentures are capable of damaging gums and teeth. If they are not well designed partial dentures can encourage plaque accumulation, particularly at the junction of the natural teeth and denture. Good design should minimize this. A well designed partial should prevent food from lodging between the natural teeth and the partial, or underneath the partial. The number of natural teeth remaining, the position and stability of the teeth, are factors that help to determine what stype or type of partial denture would be best for the patient.