Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth. These prostheses can replace several missing teeth or complete dentition to help you get your precious smile back.
Two of the most famous denture-making materials are porcelain and acrylic. Nowadays, your dentist might tell you to choose between porcelain and acrylic.
But how can you know what material is best for you? Do not worry because this article will help you choose the best denture-making material. Before going to your dental appointment, make sure to read through the information below to help you get a brief knowledge of what to expect!
Which is Better Denture Making Material: Acrylic or Ceramic
Acrylic resin and ceramic are the two most used materials for making denture teeth. This may seem like a little choice, but it is not. There are many pros and cons between the two that you should know.
Acrylic Resin
Acrylic resin is the highest on-demand material for making denture teeth. This material can be bonded neatly into your dentures because it can form a chemical reaction to the base of your dentures, hence making it stick more securely.
From the dentist’s perspective, acrylic also holds the upper hand. Sometimes, the prepared dentures are not an exact fit to the patient’s mouth. So, the dentist needs to make adjustments as needed. Using acrylic resin denture teeth is more beneficial because it is easier to adjust when required in the patient’s mouth.
Cost is another reason why people choose acrylic over porcelain. Acrylic is generally cheaper. Given that some insurance coverage will not shoulder dentures, more inexpensive materials are important to consider.
On the flip side, acrylic dentures wear faster. You can notice it changing its shape over time, especially on the surfaces where you bite more often. Aside from having poorer aesthetics due to the altered shape, you also risk getting an uncomfortable bite when eating your favorite meals.
Porcelain
Porcelain teeth are produced differently from acrylic ones. Essentially, porcelain teeth are baked at very high temperatures. So, the end product is undeniably strong, durable, and long-lasting!
Porcelain’s main advantage is its superior strength and durability. Also, it can give you a more life-like appearance because its texture and translucency can be made to resemble how your teeth initially looked.
Similar to acrylic, porcelain also holds some disadvantages. First, it is more expensive. You get to pay for the cost of the intense strength that you will get from porcelain. Moreover, too much strength can also be a disadvantage. When you still have natural teeth, biting onto porcelain dentures will cause the natural ones to wear down. Remember, when something is of different strengths, the ones with the lesser strength will yield.
Your bones and gums hold onto the dentures. The strength from the porcelain will transmit more pressure onto your bones and gums, causing more bone loss in the long run.
What is the Cost of Porcelain Dentures?
If we assume that insurance coverage is not a factor, inexpensive dentures cost around $300 to $1000. Mid-range to highest quality dentures would reach between $3000 to $8000. The wide price range is due to the differences in cases per patient.
The cost of your dentures will depend on what kind of denture you will get and pretreatment procedures like extractions and fillings. Sometimes, when you need an extraction first, immediate dentures are made while your permanent dentures are being made. This helps you get that temporary smile first. But, this would cost you more as well.
A general rule to remember is that the cheaper dentures are expected to be of inferior quality. Costs are usually cut down from the materials used. Moreover, a natural look is better achieved with mid-ranged to higher-quality denture sets.
Which Type of Denture is Best?
There is not just one type of denture available for you. Your dentist can give you options depending on what you prefer and what your mouth needs.
The traditional complete or partial dentures give you your smile back while it gets support from your gums, bone, or remaining teeth. Some traditional dentures use metal bases, acrylic bases, or a combination. Unfortunately, metal bases give that metallic look that may not be esthetically pleasing to some.
Aside from traditional ones, a newer type of denture is the implant-supported prosthesis. These provide a more solid anchor to your mouth because it uses implants to hold themselves in place. The implant support will resemble the roots of your missing teeth. In conjunction with the secure feeling you get, they are also more natural-looking and long-lasting than traditional ones.
But which of these is the best? Currently, there is no one answer to every case. Each person’s needs and situation are different. Therefore, expect that a denture that works best for others may not be the best for you.
To answer which is best, remember to consider your budget, comfort, and dental needs. With these three primary considerations, you and your dentist can arrive at the best denture option for you.
What are the Most Natural Looking Dentures?
Dentures tend to look fake when they do not fit your mouth well, and the teeth and gums look more synthetic. Fortunately, porcelain denture teeth can give you a more natural smile.
The problem with cheaply-made dentures is that they are made with prefabricated denture teeth. So, they have the same shade, size, and shape as the manufacturers constructed them to be.
When high-quality porcelain dentures are made, they may be designed individually. Also, the denture base, or the gum part of the denture, can be tinted with hues that closely resemble your current gum color. Such attention to translucency, shade, and color marbling help bring you the most natural look despite wearing dentures.
In Summary
Choosing between acrylic or porcelain is a choice you have to make when you get your dentures made by the dentist. The pros and cons of each are here to guide you in deciding what to get.
Whichever one you choose, remember that it is also essential to give yourself a comfortable, esthetic, and nicely-fitting denture to help you smile, speak and eat!
