A partial denture is an inexpensive and non invasive way to return teeth back to a functional state, comparable to implants or bridges. However, the main difference is that an RPD is REMOVABLE.
They include a metal framework that clips into undercuts and grooves on the remaining teeth and supports prosthetic denture teeth in the edentulous area. The big advantage of a “partial” is that you can restore multiple teeth at once for a relatively low cost. The disadvantage is that it is an appliance that you wear in your mouth, it can affect speech in the beginning and there can be some esthetic compromises due to the clasps needed to retain the denture.
I also make “gum colored” partial dentures (ie. “Valplast”). These have flexible gum colored clasps and framework instead of metal. They are more esthetic and a very useful treatment option with anterior tooth loss. The big negative on Valplast is that they are not as durable as traditional, metal based, RPD’s. And if the patient breaks something, they are VERY difficult, sometimes impossible, to repair.
