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 number of reasons, such as a lack of required teeth to serve as support for a bridge.

This type of prosthesis is referred to as a removable partial denture because patients can remove and reinsert it when required without professional help.

Conversely, a “fixed” prosthesis can and should be removed only by a dental professional.