A removable partial denture (RPD) is a denture for a partially edentulous patient who desires to have replacement teeth for functional or aesthetic reasons and who cannot have a bridge (a fixed partial denture) for any reason, such as a lack of required teeth to serve as support for a bridge (i.e. distal abutments) or financial limitations.
Divots are placed in the top of the anchor teeth for the metal framework to rest into the teeth and clasps secure the partial denture on the outer surface of the teeth. An alloy connector as seen above attaches the left and right sides of the appliance. These appliances are designed to be removable.