Tooth Replacement Options
Partial Dentures
Tooth Replacement with Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures (also called partials) have clasps that attach to the teeth. The teeth that hold the partial are called abutment teeth
. Sometimes crowns with hidden interlocks are used to attach the partial denture so that the metal clasps do not show.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the problems clinicians and patients see with removable partial dentures. Koivumaa showed that only 80% of people still wore their partial dentures after the first year. Carlsson showed that only 60% wore them after 4 years.
Why did patients pay good money for these partials and stop wearing them? Discomfort. Wetherell showed that the teeth that bear the twisting forces of the partial denture clamps fail at an alarming rate. For patients who were able to tolerate and wear their removable partial dentures, his data showed 40% survival at 5 years and 20% at 10 years. What this means is that as a partial denture is worn longer and longer, it is more destructive to the supporting teeth. As these teeth fail, new partials are made which then begin destroying new abutments teeth. In some cases, a removable partial denture is a stepping stone to a full denture.