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 dentures 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 (either chrome cobalt or gold) are C-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 involves creating a receptacle within a remaining tooth. The receptacle usually is covered with a crown, and an extending part on the denture fits into the receptacle. Precision attachments have advantages. The denture is attached within the crowns of remaining teeth, so there are no visible clasps and the forces of chewing are better distributed along the teeth.

However, precision attachments are more expensive than metal clasps, so most partial dentures still use clasps for retention.