From the Research
Definition and Purpose of Partial Dentures
- A partial denture (PC) is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth in a partially edentulous arch 1, 2.
- The primary purpose of a partial denture is to restore oral functions such as aesthetics, mandibular stability, mastication, and speech 2.
- Partial dentures are indicated in patients with complaints about missing teeth in the aesthetic zone, extremely reduced dentitions, or large edentulous areas 1.
Types of Partial Dentures
- There are three types of removable partial dentures: acrylic tissue-supported dentures, dentures with cast metal frameworks, and dentures with cast metal frameworks and (semi)precision attachments 2.
- Each type of partial denture has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of type depends on the individual patient's needs and oral condition 3.
Importance of Esthetics in Partial Dentures
- Esthetics plays a vital role in the success of partial dentures, and the length and mobility of the patient's lips can affect the esthetic outcome 4.
- A prosthesis that is highly esthetic can improve patient motivation and acceptance, and special emphasis should be placed on restoring function, phonetics, and esthetics with long-term benefits 4.
Clinical Scenarios and Techniques
- Partial dentures can be used in various clinical scenarios, such as immediate dentures for patients requiring extractions, windowed dentures for patients with lone-standing teeth, and incorporation of surveyed crowns into cobalt chromium RPDs 3.
- Interim partial dentures can be used to temporarily restore a patient's dentition and create a satisfactory phonetic, esthetic, and occlusal relationship 5.