Cast partial denture is a removable partial denture that replaces missing teeth that contain artificial teeth set in an acrylic resin with cast metal framework. Cast partial denture can be used in all teeth restoration if there is a suitable number of healthy teeth available to hold the denture. Cast partial dentures are made from metal and plastic. While the main skeleton connector and hooks that are used to hold dentures are made from metal, the visible parts as well as the teeth are created from plastic. Other plastic-only dentures can have a denture plate covering the complete palate upper jaw or under tongue area of the lower jaw which may cause you discomfort. In cast partial this type of plate is replaced with an extremely strong metal connector which ensures comfort and allows reduction in size. Patients are able to quickly get used to this partial denture, however cast partial denture cost can be expensive in comparison to other types of denture.
Indications of a cast partial denture
- There is no tooth behind the edentulous area.
- Periodontal gum condition.
- Patients want to get a cast partial denture.
- If the remaining natural teeth need to be stabilized against lateral and anterior-posterior forces.
Advantages of cast partial dentures
Below are few cast partial denture advantages:
- Eliminates the need of relining or rebasing the denture.
- Has a good distribution of biting stress.
- Stronger, durable and more retentive in comparison to conventional acrylic denture.
- Prevents shifting of teeth.
- The metal won’t cause any damage to the existing teeth.
- Minimal tissue change.
How is the fabrication process of cast partial done?
Fabrication steps of cast partials can be complicated, time-consuming and will require multiple dental visits because the dentures are made according to the dental condition of the individual. Here is the fabrication of cast partial denture steps:
- First appointment: In the first appointment the impression of the upper and lower arches are taken, and the central occlusion will be determined based on the existing teeth. These are used for main analysis and preparation of the dentures. During this visit the direction of insertion and removal of the denture, the supporting teeth and their retention areas which will serve as retention hooks will be decided.
- Second visit: In the second visit new impressions will be taken to cast working models using special silicone materials and individual spoons. These impressions are taken where the metal skeleton and the hooks will be built upon.
- Third visit: The metal skeleton is placed in the mouth to check whether it fits properly to the oral lining without causing any kind of trauma. The hooks are also checked to see if they fit tightly on the supporting teeth and will keep the denture in place. The template is used to determine the height and occlusion. The artificial teeth are then added in the dental lab to create the final denture.
- 4. Fourth visit: The completed dentures are fitted in the patient’s mouth. The dentist will give a clear instruction on how to take care of the denture properly and how to maintain a good oral hygiene.