Rubber Gasket Partial

This type works very well when only one or two natural teeth remain. The most common application is on the lower arch. They are basically designed as a full denture with holes cut to accommodate natural dentition. A soft rubber or silicone material is used like a gasket in these holes providing retention around the entire tooth circumference.

Pros

• They are easily converted to a full denture in the event remaining natural dentition is lost
• They provide a gentle non metal that will not scrape or damage natural tooth surfaces
• Excellent aesthetics as no visual metal components
• Covers over unattractive areas where gingival tissue has receded exposing underlying tooth root
• Generally provides excellent retention and particularly so around a remaining molar

Cons

• Will require a gasket replacement every two to five years
• No ability to easily increase retention as with metal clasps