[Removable partial dentures. Oral functions and types]

Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd. 2009 Nov;116(11):587-90.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

A removable partial denture enables the restoration or improvement of 4 oral functions: aesthetics, mandibular stability, mastication, and speech. However, wearing a removable partial denture should not cause oral comfort to deteriorate. There are 3 types of removable partial dentures: acrylic tissue-supported dentures, dentures with cast metal frameworks en dentures with cast metal frameworks and (semi)precision attachments. Interrupted tooth arches,free-ending tooth arches, and a combination of interrupted as well as free-ending tooth arches can be restored using these dentures. Well-known disadvantages of removable partial dentures are problematic oral hygiene, negative influence on the remaining dentition and limited oral comfort. Due to the advanced possibilities of fixed tooth- or implant-supported partial dentures, whether or not free-ending, or tooth- as well as implant-supported partial dentures, the indication of removable partial dentures is restricted. Nevertheless, for the time being the demand for removable partial dentures is expected to continue.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Denture, Partial, Removable* / adverse effects
  • Esthetics, Dental
  • Humans
  • Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / therapy*
  • Mandible / physiology
  • Mastication / physiology*
  • Oral Hygiene / standards*
  • Speech / physiology*