Adult Teeth » Missing Teeth » Partials

A partial denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth. It is held in place by your existing teeth. It is important that these teeth be healthy, or be restored to a healthy condition that will support your partial. 

A partial can restore esthetics and function to your mouth. Since you lost some teeth you may find it more difficult to chew as well as you used to. The partial can give you back much of this function, though not as much as natural teeth.  A partial can also help stabilize your remaining teeth. This stabilization can minimize tooth drift, bite changes, and periodontal problems.

 The partial denture is commonly kept in place by means of clasps. These are thin finger-like structures, usually made of a special metal alloy or sometimes plastic, that rest upon and wrap around some remaining natural teeth. Clasps keep the prosthesis securely in place but still allow a person to easily take it out for regular cleaning and proper brushing of remaining natural teeth.