Acrylic Dentures: Pros and Cons
Acrylic dentures are a widely used method for smile restoration. Patients prefer this material because of its durability and functionality, eliminating the bonded teeth' appearance. These orthopedic structures are removable and consist of a plastic acrylic base on which artificial dental crowns are placed. Acrylic is ideal for imitating natural teeth and gums. Such dentures are used for both complete and partial absence of teeth, helping to restore the aesthetics of the oral cavity, face and chewing functions.
Acrylic dentures may not be recommended in cases of allergy to acrylates, severe gum problems, unstable bone tissue to support the denture, sensitive gums or oral mucosa, or high aesthetic requirements. Patients should discuss their medical needs with a dental technician or dentist NYC to determine the most appropriate denture option.
Features of Acrylic Dentures
This prosthesis consists of an acrylic base that imitates gums. They are attached to the base. The latter can be either plastic or ceramic. Acrylic resin teeth can accurately imitate the color and appearance of the gums and teeth, making them aesthetically pleasing. They are made from a special plastic composite, non-toxic and safe for patient’s health. Modern dentistry offers three main types of fixation: metal hooks, metal beams and locking fixation (on attachments). Full acrylic dentures are used in cases of complete tooth loss and are secured either to implants or to the gum.
A removable acrylic partial denture is made for patients who have lost several teeth. In the case of an acrylic denture for the upper jaw, it is important that it fits correctly to the palatal part, and that the fixation is carried out using the suction method. The lower jaw denture is held in place by the alveolar ridge, the area of the mouth where the natural teeth are located.
Items crafted from acrylic plastic are favored for their accessibility, durability, and lightweight nature. This substance helps in averting distortion of the foundation and upholds the form of the prosthesis. Nonetheless, there are various contraindications associated with it. These encompass an allergic reaction to the material, substantial resorption of the jawbones leading to flattening of the alveolar area and hindering effective retention of permanent dentures, as well as the presence of a gag reflex.
Benefits of Acrylic Dentures
Acrylic for dentures has gained significant popularity in modern dentistry because of its robustness and versatile uses. Its superb opacity effectively conceals underlying structures, imparting a natural look to the smile. These attributes render acrylic dentures appealing to individuals seeking both aesthetic appeal and practicality in their dental prosthetics. The numerous advantages of acrylic dentures contribute to their widespread preference among patients.
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 more cost-effective solution to restore their smile and chewing function.
Variability of shade. The use of flexible acrylic dentures makes it possible to carefully select a shade that most closely matches the natural color of the patient’s tooth enamel. This achievement is especially important for creating an aesthetically pleasing smile, since patients usually want their teeth to look as natural as possible.
Comfortable to wear. These dentures are lightweight and flexible, providing a comfortable fit to the gums and making it easy to maintain fresh breath and comfortable conversation.
Even load on teeth. Acrylic dentures are characterized by their excellent ability to evenly distribute the pressure generated during chewing over the entire surface of the denture. This helps reduce wear not only on the denture itself, but also on adjacent teeth, which is important for maintaining their health and the functionality of your mouth.
Long service life. If proper and regular care is taken, acrylic base partial dentures can last a long time, on average three to five years. Patients who are concerned about the aesthetics of their smile can enjoy the comfort and functionality of their dentures for many years. Therefore, it can be an ideal choice for a long-term solution to tooth replacement.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Dentures
Acrylic dentures have their disadvantages which are either rare or absent in other types of dentures, such as clasp dentures.
Patients often feel discomfort at first when using these dentures, but this decreases or disappears over time. For example, when chewing, the load is not always distributed equally across the gum, which can increase pressure and cause atrophy of the alveolar process. Also, with acrylic partial dentures, the abutment teeth are more susceptible to weakening and loosening.
In addition, the rigidity of the prosthesis material can cause abrasions and other damage to the mucosa. An acrylic complete denture that completely covers the upper jaw can interfere with the sense of taste because it blocks some of the taste buds on the roof of the mouth. Sometimes some components of an acrylic prosthesis can cause allergic reactions. Patients may also take time to adapt to acrylic false teeth, and during use, it may change color due to the absorption of dyes and microorganisms, which, if hygiene is poor, can lead to various problems, including oral mycoses.
Hybrid acrylic dentures typically last 2 to 3 years, but with proper care, they can last more than 5 years. The advantage of such prostheses is their ease of care. Recommendations for caring for acrylic dentures include brushing twice daily with a medium-hard brush and toothpaste, rinsing mouth after meals, avoiding hard foods, removing dentures at night and storing them in water or antiseptic, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
