Partial Dentures Munich - Flexible Denture Solutions | Dr. Dickel

A partial denture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces missing teeth in a partially edentulous jaw. It is used whenever fixed solutions such as dental crowns or dental bridges are no longer feasible or desired — for example, because too many teeth are missing, the remaining abutment teeth are not sufficiently stable, or cost is a concern.

Partial dentures consist of an acrylic base (saddle) that mimics the gum tissue, artificial teeth, and a retention mechanism that anchors the prosthesis to the remaining natural teeth. Depending on the type of retention, the various partial denture designs differ significantly in comfort, stability, aesthetics, and price.

As a well-established form of treatment, partial dentures are a core part of prosthetic dentistry. At our practice in Munich-Oberfoehring, we provide personalised advice on which type of partial denture best suits your dental situation — from basic insurance-covered options to premium telescopic dentures.

Depending on the number of missing teeth, the position of the remaining teeth, and your individual needs, different types of partial dentures may be suitable. Here we present the most important options:

The telescopic denture deserves special attention because it is widely regarded as the gold standard among removable partial dentures in modern dentistry. The principle is based on two crowns that slide into one another — similar to a telescope:

• Primary crown (inner telescope): A metal crown permanently cemented onto the prepared abutment tooth. It has a conical or cylindrical shape.
• Secondary crown (outer telescope): The precisely fitting crown that slides over it, firmly integrated into the denture. When the denture is inserted, the secondary crown glides over the primary crown.

The friction between the primary and secondary crown creates retention — the more precise the fit, the better the hold. Modern telescopic crowns are often made from high-gold alloys or zirconia.

The decisive advantage: Should an abutment tooth be lost over the years, the telescopic denture can typically be extended without fabricating an entirely new prosthesis. This saves costs in the long run and provides a future-proof restoration.

Telescopic dentures also offer even force distribution across the abutment teeth, excellent stability during chewing and speaking, and an appealing aesthetic without visible clasps.

Fabricating a partial denture typically requires 4–6 appointments over a period of 3–5 weeks. For more complex restorations such as telescopic or precision attachment dentures, additional sessions may be necessary. Here is how the treatment proceeds:

1. Diagnosis and consultation: First, we thoroughly examine your remaining teeth — checking vitality, stability, and mobility of each tooth. X-rays allow us to assess the bone and roots. Together, we discuss the most suitable denture type and prepare a treatment and cost plan.

2. Pre-treatment and preparation: For telescopic or precision attachment dentures, the abutment teeth are prepared under local anaesthesia for the primary crowns. Decayed teeth are restored, and teeth that cannot be preserved are extracted if necessary.

3. Impressions: We take precise impressions of your jaw — both for the metal framework and for the optimal fit on the gum tissue. For telescopic dentures, a separate impression is taken with the primary crowns in place.

4. Bite registration and tooth selection: During a bite registration appointment, we determine the correct jaw relationship and choose the shape, shade, and size of the artificial teeth together with you.

5. Wax try-in: Before the final denture is fabricated, we try in a wax set-up so you can evaluate the aesthetics, bite, and fit in advance and request any changes.

6. Completion and fitting: The finished denture is inserted, the bite is checked, and any pressure points are marked and removed. You receive detailed instructions on handling and care.

Adjustment period: The first 2–4 weeks require some patience. Speaking and eating will feel unfamiliar at first. Short-notice follow-up appointments to relieve pressure points are perfectly normal and already factored into our planning.

The retention of a partial denture varies significantly depending on the anchoring system. Here is a realistic comparison:

Clasp denture: Retention is functional but limited. The clasps grip around the abutment teeth but may loosen over time. A slight wobble can be noticeable when chewing hard foods or speaking. Regular clasp adjustment improves the fit.

Cast framework denture: The stable metal framework and cast rest elements distribute the load more evenly. Retention is considerably better than with simple clasp dentures, thanks to the combination of clasps, rests, and bracing elements.

Telescopic denture: Offers the best retention of all removable partial dentures. The friction of the double crowns makes the denture feel almost like a fixed restoration. Patients frequently report that they barely perceive the denture as removable. Eating and speaking function almost like having natural teeth.

Precision attachment denture: Also provides very good retention through the precision attachments, comparable to a telescopic denture. The retention can be fine-tuned by the dental technician.

Tips for the adjustment period:

• Start with soft foods and gradually increase firmness
• Practise speaking aloud — read texts out loud to adapt more quickly
• Chew on both sides to load the denture evenly
• If pressure persists: schedule a follow-up — do not adjust the denture yourself

If the retention of a conventional partial denture is insufficient, an implant-supported solution may be the alternative. As few as 2–4 implants can dramatically improve denture retention.

Proper care is crucial for the lifespan of your partial denture and the health of your remaining teeth. Here are the key recommendations:

Daily denture cleaning:

• Clean your partial denture under running water after every meal
• Use a dedicated denture brush (not a regular toothbrush) with mild soap or denture cleaner — avoid conventional toothpaste, as its abrasives can scratch the acrylic
• Use cleaning tablets (e.g. Corega, Kukident) once or twice a week for deep cleaning and stain removal
• Pay special attention to the clasps, telescopic crowns, or attachments — plaque and bacteria accumulate there most readily

Caring for your remaining teeth: Your natural teeth support the denture and are therefore especially important. Brush them carefully with a toothbrush and interdental brushes. Regular professional dental cleanings are essential.

Wear at night or remove? We recommend removing the partial denture at night so the gum tissue can recover. Store it dry or in a dedicated denture container — modern acrylics no longer need to be kept in water.

Relining: Over time, the jawbone ridge changes due to bone resorption. As a result, the denture gradually loses its fit. Regular relining (every 2–3 years) restores the optimal fit and prevents pressure sores.

Lifespan by denture type:

• Clasp denture: 5–8 years
• Cast framework denture: 8–12 years
• Telescopic denture: 10–15 years (with good care and regular maintenance)

The cost of a partial denture depends largely on the type of denture and anchoring system chosen. Statutory health insurance pays a diagnosis-related fixed subsidy based on the standard treatment.

Standard treatment: For the partially edentulous jaw, the cast framework denture is the standard treatment defined by the statutory insurers. The fixed subsidy covers approximately 60% of the cost of this standard restoration.

Equivalent-type prosthesis: If you choose a higher-quality option — such as a telescopic denture — that still technically qualifies as a removable prosthesis, you receive the same fixed subsidy and pay the additional costs yourself. This is called equivalent-type dental prosthesis.

Alternative-type prosthesis: If you opt for an implant-supported solution instead of a partial denture, this is classified as an alternative-type prosthesis. You still receive the fixed subsidy for the standard treatment and bear the additional costs yourself.

Bonus booklet: A consistently maintained bonus booklet increases the fixed subsidy:

• +20% after 5 years of regular check-ups
• +30% after 10 years of regular check-ups

Treatment and cost plan: Before treatment begins, we prepare a detailed treatment and cost plan that you submit to your insurer for approval. This way, you know your exact out-of-pocket costs before treatment starts. The consultation and plan preparation are of course free of charge.

At our dental practice in Munich-Oberfoehring, we cover the full range of removable partial dentures — from the basic clasp denture as an insurance-covered option to the premium telescopic denture. Dr. Christina Dickel provides honest, transparent advice on which restoration best suits your individual dental situation, expectations, and budget.

What sets our practice apart:

• Prosthetic expertise: Dr. Dickel has extensive experience in removable prosthetics and regularly undertakes continuing education in this field.
• Master laboratory collaboration: Close cooperation with an experienced master dental laboratory guarantees precise fit, optimal function, and natural aesthetics for every partial denture.
• All options under one roof: From the clasp denture to the telescopic denture to implant-supported restorations — you receive all alternatives and an honest recommendation.
• CBCT 3D imaging: Three-dimensional imaging for precise assessment of the abutment teeth and jawbone.
• Sedation options: For anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation — even for extensive prosthetic treatments.

Book a free initial consultation — we take the time to answer your questions and explain all your options in plain language.