Dentures or partials are removable tooth prosthetics designed to look and function like natural teeth. Most dentures are composed of replacement teeth attached to plastic bases and in some cases with metal reinforcements or clasps to secure and stabilize the denture. They are used to compensate for one or more missing teeth, and are available as partials and complete sets of teeth. Many dental patients elect dentures for tooth replacement if they are not candidates for dental implants or bridges.
A complete denture is needed when a patient has lost all of their teeth in their arch. A partial denture is need when a patient has lost 1 or more teeth in an arch and is used to replace the missing teeth.