Dentures are custom-made artificial teeth and gums that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. Used to replace missing natural teeth, early dentures were often fashioned out of animal teeth, ivory, lead, and even other human teeth. Thankfully, 21st-century dentures are quite advanced compared to their antique predecessors. In fact, today’s dentures are more natural looking and comfortable than ever!
Do you know out of what materials modern dentures are made? Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of dentures can help you know how long your set is likely to last. Here is everything you need to know about how dentures in Melbourne are made.
Why Porcelain is the Traditional Denture Material
Porcelain, a glass-like ceramic, has traditionally been the preferred material for the teeth of a denture. Porcelain has a number of advantages, including:
- High level of durability
- Translucent appearance similar to natural tooth enamel
- Similar feel to natural teeth
- Can be color-matched closely with a patient’s remaining natural teeth
On the downside, porcelain dentures are more breakable if dropped on a hard surface and can wear down remaining natural teeth if they bite against them. For this reason, porcelain is considered better to use in full dentures rather than in partials.
The Advantages of Acrylic Dentures
More recently, acrylic resin has replaced porcelain as the most widely-used material for denture teeth. Compared to porcelain, acrylic resin enjoys a number of advantages, such as:
- Adheres more securely to the denture base
- Lighter in weight
- Significantly less expensive than porcelain
- Easier to adjust in order to achieve correct occlusion
The major disadvantage of teeth made from acrylic resin is that they are less durable than porcelain and therefore may wear down faster. Dentures made from acrylic resin typically must be replaced every 5 to 8 years.
All About That Base
The framework that supports the porcelain or acrylic teeth of a denture is usually called a full or partial plate. Denture plates are typically made from either rigid acrylic resin, flexible nylon polymer, or chrome cobalt metal.
Plates made from acrylic resin are often used with dentures that require an artificial gumline since they can be tinted to mimic the patient’s natural gum color. Metal plates, meanwhile, provide a better fit and are stronger, meaning they are less likely to break. Because metal does not match the natural color of gums, metal is more often used for partial plates that are fully hidden behind the remaining natural smile.
If you are living without some or all of your teeth, have a conversation with a dentist in Melbourne today. Full or partial dentures may be the right solution to restore both the appearance and the function of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. James Trantham has over a decade of experience helping patients across the Space Coast region achieve renewed confidence in their smiles. He and his team partner with the best dental labs that use top-quality ingredients for making dentures. Patients with questions about full or partial dentures can contact Dr. Trantham via his website or by calling the office at 321-723-3477.