what is a dental partial?
A partial is a dental prosthetic (artificial tooth or teeth) that can be removed from the mouth somewhat like an orthodontic retainer. A bridge, on the other hand, is a dental prosthetic that's permanently anchored inside the mouth. Partials are sometimes referred to as RPDs (removable partial dentures). They're often selected as an inexpensive option over a bridge or dental implant for replacing lost teeth. Most partials work in a similar way: Artificial teeth are placed on a molded base to which metal clasps are added.