Dentures are a fabulous type of dental prosthetic that can imitate the teeth of patients who need to replace many or all of them. Dentures are one of the most popular types of artificial tooth replacements because of their recognized and highly documented success. Still, many people are curious: what are dentures made of? The answer to this question is that there are many different types of materials available for dentures. The type that you and your dentist choose for your situation will depend on a variety of different factors.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace missing teeth. There are several different types of dentures, which include full, partial, and implant-supported dentures. Each type will mimic the appearance and feel of the natural teeth they are replacing. Dentures can last for many years if they are well cared for.
What Issues Can Dentures Address?
Issues are designed to assist a patient with the utilization of the same purposes that their natural teeth fulfill. Dentures are often given to older adults, who may begin to lose teeth naturally as the years wear on. In addition, dentures can be of some use for those who have lost teeth due to damage, decay, or disease.
There are several different types of dentures. In general, they are organized under the following categories:
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
- Immediate dentures
- Implant-retained dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
Each of the above categories is built to address a certain set of issues with one’s dental health. You can discuss with your physician which of the above would be the most appropriate for your particular situation and set of issues.
What Occurs During Denture Installation?
Several important steps comprise a denture installation. In general, you can expect to go through the following steps:
- Dental impressions are made of your upper and lower jaws. This includes the gums and the remaining teeth. Oftentimes, multiple impressions are made.
- Your dental impressions are sent to a dental lab. A dental technician will use your dental impressions to create a replica of your mouth. This, in turn, is used to create your custom dentures.
- Your custom dentures begin to be constructed. This typically begins with wax registration blocks and then is followed by a variety of acrylic and resinous materials. In the end, artificial teeth are added to the mold’s specifications.
- The newly created set of dentures is polished and refined prior to its installation in the mouth.
Your dentist will be able to inform you about whether you can expect to have any additional steps in your own dental installation procedure. Because dentures are removed, the installation process is painless and easy in the vast majority of cases.
What are Dentures Made Of?
There are several different materials from which dentures can be made. Which one you select will be based on your aesthetic preferences, as well as the recommendations that come from your dentist. The primary materials that are used in dentures include:
- Acrylic Dentures: This refers to any set of dentures made from any semi-rigid, specialized plastic or polymer. The vast majority of patients will end up using this material for their own dentures. These dentures appear similar to one’s natural teeth and are firm enough to chew with.
- Metal dentures: Metal dentures utilize metal wiring placed behind the gums rather than sitting on top of the teeth. This material is most commonly used in partial denture installation. Some nylon or plastic is still utilized to create a more natural appearance.
- Flexible dentures: These types of dentures are made from a more pliable and flexible plastic or nylon. They tend to feel softer and less rigid than the other types of dentures. Regardless, they still maintain the appearance and feel of natural teeth and, in some cases, may be more comfortable for some patients.
You will need to have an in-depth discussion with your dentist about what type of denture they think would be the most appropriate for your situation. Part of this may involve a routine dental inspection to investigate the source of your missing teeth.
Dentures in Anaheim
My Dentist Anaheim serves the Southern California community with the highest level of dental work available. If you would like to discuss your plans for denture treatment with a professional dentist, contact us today to schedule an appointment.