How do Plastic Dentures Differ from Other Types?

Health-related and other information can be found on the Internet in abundance. A search on the internet for “dentures” reveals different types of dentures. Some of those include “plastic dentures”, “porcelain dentures”, and “metal dentures”.

 

How do you choose dentures for yourself or for someone else and what do the terms mean when it comes to selecting dentures? The purpose of this article is to explain the different lay terms one might come across. In the event that you need to replace a tooth, we will break it down into something more practical.

 

What Are Plastic Dentures?

 

Dentures are created to fit your tooth replacement needs, meaning that there are many options to choose from. Read on to learn more about plastic dentures and why they may be the right choice.  

 

Most plastic dentures are actually made from acrylic resin or an advanced polymer derivative of acrylic. When you think of plastic dentures, the image of the plastic used in flexible storage food containers may come to mind.

 

Acrylic is actually much more durable and rigid than that type of plastic. Pink acrylic is used for the base of plastic dentures. It is injection-molded or milled with computer technology to conform to your gums for a precise fit. Also, modern tooth-colored acrylics with multi-shaded layers allow natural-looking denture teeth. They also can be formed and manufactured in various sizes, shapes, and colorations.

 

Plastic dentures are the go-to solution for replacing missing teeth in a variety of clinical situations, including complete dentures, implant overdentures, and partial dentures. They are functional, improve your appearance, and are a practical and cost-effective means to deal with missing teeth.

 

Within the broad category of plastic dentures, there are a variety of different acrylic variations that can be used. Higher quality acrylic materials offer a more natural appearance, greater durability, and improved comfort. European Denture Center is proud to offer a range of denture styles and choices designed to address any cosmetic concern or fit any budget.

 

Plastic Dentures vs. Metal Dentures

 

When you don’t have any remaining natural teeth, plastic dentures are generally your best option. If you have some of your remaining teeth, plastic partial dentures, with or without metal clasps, may be used to restore your smile. But, a metal partial denture is definitely worth considering. Metal partial dentures have a number of advantages compared to all-plastic partial dentures.

 

A metal partial has improved stability. Metal clasps fabricated into the framework clip to the remaining natural teeth, preventing movement while eating. Metal framework partials also offer support that prevents the partial from sinking further into your gums when you bite down, allowing you to chew more effectively and with confidence.

 

Because metal is a stronger material than plastic, the metal can be thinner and less bulky. A metal partial also can be designed with an open palate for improved temperature and taste perception. One drawback to metal dentures vs. plastic dentures is the metal can show when smiling and talking. Some patients find this quality objectionable and elect to put up with the less-precise fit of a plastic partial denture to avoid visible metal entirely.

 

Plastic Dentures vs. Porcelain Dentures

 

Both plastic and porcelain dentures use the same acrylic (plastic) as the pink base material to support the denture teeth. The real difference between plastic dentures vs. porcelain dentures is in the material that the actual teeth are made from. Many years ago, dentures made with porcelain teeth offered a more life-like, natural appearance when compared to their plastic counterparts. Quite frankly, plastic teeth looked cheap.

 

But that has changed with advanced material technology that has allowed the production of multi-layered, opalescent synthetic teeth. These plastic teeth look so life-like that their appearance and quality have actually surpassed porcelain. Now, dentures made with porcelain teeth have definite disadvantages that outweigh plastic teeth. In addition to porcelain teeth being easily chipped or broken, porcelain is an extremely hard material that wears away denture-supporting bone over time. Currently, there is no real advantage of choosing porcelain for complete dentures.