Acrylic Dentures: A Popular Removable Prosthetic

What Is Acrylic Dentures?

Acrylic Dentures are commonly used Removable Dentures designed to replace one or more missing teeth or a full arch of missing teeth. They are made from acrylic material, which is easy to fabricate, lightweight, and compatible with oral tissues. Like Removable Dentures, Acrylic Dentures consist of a base made from acrylic resin that holds the teeth in place and mimics the appearance of natural gums. The teeth are also made from this resin, specifically polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a synthetic plastic widely used in dentistry for denture fabrication due to its durability, ease of fabrication, and adjustability to fit the patient’s oral structure.

Advantages

Price

Compared to other methods of tooth restoration, acrylic dentures are a more budget-friendly option. They provide decent quality and functionality while maintaining an attractive price for patients looking for a cost-effective solution to restore their smile and chewing function.

Easy to Fabricate and Adjustable

Acrylic dentures can be easily and quickly manufactured, allowing for a more streamlined process for both the dentist and the patient. The acrylic material can be easily adjusted and modified to fit the patient’s mouth more precisely, ensuring a better fit over time. When your Acrylic Dentures are cracked or broken, or if you simply want to add new teeth, you can easily repair them by pouring new acrylic into the crack or attaching new teeth without the need to make a completely new denture when adding additional teeth.

Flexible

Acrylic Dentures are lightweight and adaptable, making them well-suited to fit the gums. This is especially beneficial for patients who have lost multiple teeth or are experiencing ongoing bone resorption. Acrylic Dentures offers a versatile and fitting solution for these patients.

Easy to care for and clean

Acrylic dentures typically have a smooth surface, which helps reduce staining and plaque buildup compared to other materials. They can be cleaned using a soft toothbrush, warm water, or standard cleaning products.

Disadvantages

Lower durability

Acrylic is not as durable as other materials such as metal or porcelain; it is prone to wear, cracking, or breaking if not properly cared for or if subjected to strong impacts. Therefore, it needs to be checked and replaced more frequently, typically every 1-3 years, and at most every 5 years.

Irritation and bone resorption

The base of an Acrylic Denture often covers part or all of the oral cavity, which can lead to irritation or gag reflex, especially if not cleaned properly. Additionally, it may affect the sense of taste by covering some taste buds on the palate, which can reduce the patient’s enjoyment of eating. Frequent use of acrylic dentures can also lead to bone resorption in patients with pre-existing stable jawbone structures.

Lower aesthetics

Acrylic Dentures may not achieve the same level of aesthetics as ceramic or metal dentures. While they can be crafted to resemble natural teeth, factors such as color, translucency, and light reflection might not appear entirely natural. This can impact the natural look and appearance of the denture compared to other types of dentures. On the other hand, Acrylic Denture teeth are made from plastic, which, while lightweight and easy to use, can become stained and discolored over time. This problem is less common with ceramic and metal products.

How Many Types Of Acrylic Dentures Are There?

Based on their intended use, structure, and manufacturing process, Acrylic Dentures can be categorized into several types, such as Full Acrylic Dentures, Partial Acrylic Dentures, Temporary Acrylic Dentures,…. Each type has specific advantages and applications. Generally, there are two main categories: Full Acrylic Dentures and Partial Acrylic Dentures. The other types are integrated based on the patient’s needs and intended use.

Full Acrylic Dentures

Full Acrylic Dentures are Used in cases where the patient has lost all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Full Acrylic Dentures include a base that covers the entire gum area and the plastic replacement teeth are securely attached on top, which is secured by applying gentle pressure to the gums and jawbone. For new dentures, the dentist may use adhesive materials to enhance the fit and retention.

Partial Acrylic Dentures

Designed to replace a few missing teeth while preserving the remaining natural teeth. It also includes an acrylic base, and replacement teeth, which may or may not have components to anchor to the natural teeth, such as clear clasps, metal clasps, metal mesh, or a metal framework. They offer significantly better retention compared to full dentures.

Metal Vs. Partial Acrylic Dentures: Which Is Better For You?

There will be no better option than a Full Acrylic Denture when you have lost all your teeth. However, if you are missing only one or a few teeth, which type of Partial Denture should you consider? With or without metal? Below is the answer for you.

The Cast Metal Framework is custom-designed and crafted to fit snugly along the contours of the mouth. It includes clasps or other attachments that securely anchor to the remaining natural teeth, preventing the denture from shifting, improving stability, and enhancing support. This design allows for a thinner and more streamlined construction compared to Partial Acrylic Dentures without metal, making them more comfortable and less bulky in the mouth.

The use of clasps for a tighter fit allows for the reduction of the denture base without concerns about retention issues. This offers several advantages, such as avoiding gag reflexes due to a thick base, preventing food accumulation, and not covering taste buds, which can affect the patient’s ability to taste food. These dentures have high durability and resistance to breakage, as the metal can withstand biting and chewing forces, resulting in a longer lifespan compared to Partial Acrylic Dentures without metal.

All of the aforementioned advantages make Cast Metal Partial Dentures the most popular choice today. However, determining which type is right for you depends on your oral health, budget, and personal needs. The best approach is to discuss with your dentist to find the partial denture method that suits you best.

Whether your choice is Metal or Partial, VTA can provide you with all types of Removable Dentures in general and acrylic dentures specifically, meeting high-quality standards and ensuring the fastest turnaround time. Visit our website for more detailed information about all our products