The partial denture: when some of your own teeth are still there
It supports itself on the remaining teeth – everything depends on those.
A partial denture replaces several missing teeth and holds on to the remaining ones. How well it sits is decided by the type of that connection.
Clasp denture
The standard care: bent metal clasps grip the abutment teeth. It holds reliably and is the cheapest solution. In the visible area, though, the clasps can be seen.
Invisible connections
Attachments, bolts or telescopes connect the denture and the tooth without anything being visible. That requires the abutment teeth to be crowned – and makes the restoration considerably more expensive.
What changes over time
The abutment teeth carry more load than before. They therefore need particularly good care and regular check-ups. If an abutment is lost, a partial denture can in many cases be extended – that is its great advantage over fixed prostheses.