Cast Partial Denture

Removable Partial Dentures with cast metal frameworks are probably one of the oldest forms of dentistry. Originally, the frameworks (an example seen on the right) were made out of wrought (hammered) silver.

This type of partial denture offers numerous advantages over the temporary plastic dentures.

• Since they sit on the teeth, as well as being attached to them, they are extremely stable and retentive.
• The teeth have been altered slightly beforehand in order that the partial denture can rest upon them without interfering with the way the patient bites the teeth together.
• The metal framework does not contact the gums. Thus, as the gums shrink, this type of partial denture does not sink with them and rarely requires relining.
• Sore spots are almost never an issue since neither the framework, nor the plastic extensions contact the soft oral tissues with any force

Modern frameworks are cast from an extremely strong alloy which can be cast very thin and are much less likely to break than the all plastic variety.

Patients who exhibit the symptoms of TMJ, or who are known bruxers are much better off with cast metal partials than with flexible framework partials