Introduction
The acrylic resin partial denture with wrought wire clasps is the simplest removable partial denture: a pink acrylic base carrying the teeth, held by bent wire clasps. It rests mainly on the mucosa. It is quick, cheap and easy to repair, add teeth to or reline.
When it is chosen
- As an interim or immediate denture while extraction sites heal or before a definitive denture.
- When the remaining teeth have a doubtful prognosis and more extractions may follow: teeth are easy to add.
- For frail, elderly patients, or when cost or limited cooperation rule out a cast framework.
- At least two natural teeth remain in the jaw to anchor it.
Designing it
- Base extended as widely as tolerated for support and stability, but relieved from the gingival margins (at least 3–4 mm in the lower jaw where possible).
- Clasps on abutments with suitable undercuts, retentive tips placed below the survey line, usually on the buccal side.
- Bent wire rests, when added, stop the denture sinking onto the gingiva.
- In the lower jaw the lingual flange must be thick enough not to break, which makes the denture bulkier than a metal framework.