How Modern Dentures Are Created - What to Know

In the past, dentures were made from other creature's teeth and bones. Those days are gone, and the 21st century has brought new technology to the world of dentures, allowing the creation of dentures synthetically that's not only much more durable but much more hygienic.

What are the dentures of today made of? Let’s explore that in this post:

The Frame

The basis of the dentures is the frame itself. It is the part of the fixture that holds the replacement teeth and the entire device in place. Whether it is a partial or full denture, both types will either be made of acrylic resin, a polymer, or metal.

To create the frame, a dentist will form a mold out of the patient's gum where the teeth are missing. From there, the mold is used to create a wax model in which the replacement teeth are added. That's followed by a test fit where a patient tries on the temporary model to determine fit and color. After that, a plate is made based on the mold that best fits the patient's mouth.

In the making of the plates, there are a few materials that can be used: acrylic resin or metal. Acrylic, although able to conform to the colors of the gum, are more prone to breaking than metallic plates.

Metal plates are also much easier to make fit into the gums and are generally much stronger than resin. It is because of this that metal is used for fixtures where the holding mechanism can be tucked behind healthy teeth without compromising the fixture's stability.

The Replacement Teeth

Replacement teeth are typically made out of either of the following materials: porcelain or resin. Among the two options, many opt for porcelain for its number of advantages, including durability and appearance. Porcelain is much stronger than resin and resembles the looks of real teeth.

At the same time, they feel just like real teeth to the wearer. The most significant disadvantage to porcelain, however, is that it will break down like real teeth over time. It also has a risk of shattering to pieces if dropped. It is this reason that porcelain is more popular with full dentures rather than partial.

Resin teeth, on the other hand, isn't as durable as porcelain and will have to be replaced every few years. However, this disadvantage is compensated for its lower cost and easy fit to the wearer. They are also much lighter, which is a great plus, especially if your mouth needs a lot of teeth-replacing.

With that, we hope you understand what goes into the creation of dentures. The next time you head out to replace or make a new set of dentures, you can discuss with your dentist about the possibility of upgrading (or even downgrading) them to fit your needs at the lowest cost possible.

Remember, keeping your dentures well-maintained will ensure that they will last a very long time. After all, they're a hefty investment, so you might as well put the effort to reduce the need to replace them in the first place.

If you’re looking for dentures in Ypsilanti Mi, get in touch with Dental House today! We’re happy to help.