- Partials replace several missing teeth while anchoring to your remaining natural teeth
- Cast metal fits best and lasts longest; Duraflex looks most natural; resin is the most affordable
- You need enough healthy remaining teeth for a partial to work well
- Partials come out for cleaning — they're not meant to be worn 24 hours a day
If you're missing several teeth but still have some healthy natural teeth left, a removable partial denture might be a great fit. Let's break down what they are and the different types, so you can pick the one that's right for you.
What Is a Partial Denture?
A removable partial denture — sometimes just called a "partial" — replaces several missing teeth in your upper or lower jaw. It's removable, so you take it out to clean it and at night. To have one made, you need enough healthy natural teeth left to give the partial the support and grip it needs to work well. Partials are a good option if you're missing several teeth, if a bridge or implant isn't in the budget right now, or if you don't have enough teeth in the right spots to hold a bridge.
The Three Main Types
There are three kinds of partials we commonly make. Each has its own trade-offs.
Cast Metal
These have a metal framework and clasps, with pink plastic to mimic your gums and teeth that match your natural ones.
- Pros: These fit the best, with excellent grip and stability. They're very durable, and they can be repaired if they break or modified if you lose more teeth later.
- Cons: The metal framework and clasps can sometimes show, even though we design them to look as natural as possible. This is the most expensive option.
Non-Metal (Duraflex)
These have no metal at all. They're made from a flexible, semi-see-through pink plastic that lets your own gums show through, with teeth that match your remaining ones.
- Pros: This is the most natural-looking partial. The fit isn't quite as precise as cast metal, but the grip and stability are still very good.
- Cons: This material isn't easy to repair or adjust. If it's damaged or you lose another tooth, it usually needs to be remade.
Resin Partial
This one is made mostly of a hard resin with pink plastic for the gums and matching teeth, plus metal clasps to hold it in place.
- Pros: A moderately natural look with good durability. We design these so the clasps show as little as possible. It's usually easy to repair and can be modified if you lose more teeth. This is the least expensive partial.
- Cons: This one has the least precise fit, though it still offers good stability and grip. The metal clasps aren't ideal for looks.
If budget allows, implants are often a more comfortable long-term solution — learn more about dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on what matters most to you — fit, looks, durability, or cost. Cast metal fits best, Duraflex looks most natural, and resin is the most budget-friendly. We'll help you weigh it.
We design every partial to look as natural as possible. The Duraflex option has no visible metal at all, which many patients love.
Cast metal and resin partials are usually repairable. Duraflex often needs to be remade if it's damaged or if you lose another tooth.
Yes. Partials are removable and should be taken out for cleaning and rest.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.