Acrylic dentures are a popular choice for many patients due to their cost-effectiveness and adaptability. This removable restoration method consists of an acrylic base that supports artificial teeth. With its own advantages and limitations, acrylic dentures raise important questions for dentists, such as: Is this material durable enough?
This article provides an in-depth look at acrylic dentures, covering the material properties.
Features of Acrylic
Acrylic, also known as acrylic resin, is a synthetic polymer widely used in dentistry, particularly in denture fabrication. Acrylic stands out for its excellent durability, lightweight properties, ease of customization, and color-matching capabilities. In dentistry, there are two main types of acrylic:
- Heat-Cured Acrylic: Processed using heat during fabrication, resulting in a final product with greater strength and stability.
- Self-Cured Acrylic: Hardens at room temperature and is typically used for minor repairs or temporary dentures.
Structure of Acrylic Dentures
Acrylic dentures are composed of an acrylic base and artificial teeth. The acrylic base is designed to mimic the natural appearance of gums, replicating their shape and color. The artificial teeth are typically made from specialized plastic composite or ceramic, a lightweight, easy-to-shape, non-toxic, and biocompatible material.
- Ceramic is used when aesthetics and durability are prioritized. However, due to its differing material properties, ceramic is heavier and challenging to integrate with the acrylic base.
- Composite resin is a more advanced synthetic resin with better aesthetics than traditional acrylic resin. It is generally reserved for dentures requiring higher strength and wear resistance.
Acrylic dentures are typically secured using metal clasps, metal bars, or attachments, depending on the patient’s oral condition and specific needs:
- The clasp is commonly used for partial dentures, these small hooks are designed to grip the remaining natural teeth securely. This method allows for easy removal but may cause discomfort or compromise aesthetics if the clasps are visible.
- Metal Bars are metal connectors that link different parts of the denture, making them suitable for patients with extensive tooth loss or complete edentulism. While metal bars enhance durability, they may cause initial discomfort during use.
- Attachments or Locators are advanced retention systems with joints or snap buttons that provide greater stability, often used in implant-supported full dentures. However, this method comes with a higher cost.
Types of Acrylic Dentures
Complete dentures
Indicated for patients who have lost all teeth in one or both arches. Complete acrylic dentures consist of a denture base and artificial teeth, crafted to fit snugly with the gums and jawbone. The advantages include affordability, ease of fabrication, and repair. However, stability and chewing efficiency may not be as high as implants or implant-supported dentures.
Partial dentures
Used when patients still have some natural teeth remaining. Partial acrylic dentures can be retained by metal clasps or attachments connected to the natural teeth. The advantages include restoring chewing function and aesthetics while preventing tooth drifting. However, metal clasps may affect aesthetics and cause discomfort for patients.
Immediate dentures
Fabricated before tooth extraction and placed immediately after. Immediate dentures prevent patients from being temporarily toothless but require adjustments over time due to bone resorption.
Overdentures
A combination of acrylic dentures and dental implants. Implants are placed into the jawbone to secure the dentures, improving stability and chewing force. This is an optimal solution for patients seeking enhanced functionality and comfort when using acrylic dentures.
Advantages of Acrylic Dentures
- Acrylic dentures may not be a perfect restoration, but they are a more cost-effective option compared to other restorative methods.
- Easy to repair and modify, such as adding teeth, support clasps, or relining the base.
- It can be customized with shades that closely match the natural color of the gums and enamel, providing aesthetic appeal for patients.
- These dentures are typically lightweight and flexible, fitting comfortably on the gums, which helps patients adapt more easily.
- Acrylic dentures can distribute chewing forces evenly across the entire surface of the denture. This reduces wear not only on the denture itself but also on adjacent teeth.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Dentures
- Patients often experience discomfort initially when using these dentures, though this tends to decrease or disappear over time.
- The hardness of the material may cause wear and damage to the oral mucosa. Fully acrylic upper dentures, which cover the entire upper jaw, may impair taste perception as they block some taste buds on the palate.
- Over time, the dentures may become discolored due to the absorption of pigments from food, beverages, and oral microorganisms, leading to staining or dullness.
- Acrylic dentures have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years, as they are typically temporary solutions. For patients seeking a long-term and stable restoration, this may not be an ideal option.
Conclusion
Acrylic dentures are an effective dental restoration solution with numerous outstanding advantages, such as affordability, customizability, and ease of repair. Understanding the material, structure, and fabrication process will help you make the best decision for your oral health.
If you are considering acrylic dentures or need further consultation on other services, please contact VTS.
