Removable
partial dentures

Removable partial dentures are removable devices that can replace from one to many teeth. They are anchored by means of retainers (the most common being clasps) to remaining teeth to replace some teeth and not the entire arch. Like all dental prostheses, removable prostheses aim to replace missing teeth.

In addition to teeth, these removable partial dentures can replace bone and gum when these tissues have been lost due to time or infection. As they are removable, they facilitate the hygiene of both the artificial and natural teeth that remain in the mouth. They also offer the possibility of improving chewing, aesthetics and speech.

• Skeletal dental prosthesis: These are removable prostheses that have a metal part to which the artificial teeth and the pink acrylic that imitates the gum are anchored. In turn, this metal skeleton has hooks or supports that are attached to the natural teeth present and allow the prosthesis to be held in place. It must have a major connector or armature, minor connectors, retainers, bases, occlusal rests, stabilising elements and indirect retainers.
• Removable resin dentures: Like skeletal dentures, resin partial dentures also need remaining teeth to hold them in place, by means of forged or cast retainers. They are less used as definitive prostheses, as the skeletal ones offer higher quality. They are used in most cases as temporary prostheses, or when the remaining natural teeth are in poor condition.