What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures have long been a reliable solution for restoring smiles, helping countless people regain confidence and comfort. While they’ve always been functional, innovative advancements have elevated dentures to new levels of quality and aesthetics. Today, dentures are typically made from materials like acrylic resins, porcelain, and composite resins.

These materials can offer improved durability, appearance, and comfort compared to the traditional options of the past. However, the correct choice often comes down to a conversation with your dentist, and the Smyl Dentistry team is ready to discuss your needs.

Traditional Denture Materials

Historically, denture materials were quite different from what we see today. Early dentures were made from materials such as wood, ivory, and even animal teeth, which were chosen for their availability and resemblance to natural teeth. By the mid-19th century, vulcanite—a type of hardened rubber—became a popular base material, with porcelain used for artificial teeth.

While these were groundbreaking for their time, they were not without their drawbacks. Early materials often lacked durability, were uncomfortable to wear, and presented hygiene challenges. The aesthetics also left much to be desired, as the materials didn’t match the natural look and feel of human teeth.

Modern Denture Materials

Thanks to innovations in dental science, today’s dentures are crafted from materials designed to be stronger, lighter, and far more realistic.

Acrylic Resins

Acrylic resins are the most commonly used material for denture bases due to their lightweight nature, affordability, and ability to provide a snug and comfortable fit.

They’re highly customizable, which allows dentists to match the colour of the dentures closely to your natural gums. Additionally, acrylic resins are easy to work with, making adjustments and repairs straightforward if needed.

Acrylic resin teeth are lighter and less expensive than their counterparts. However, they tend to wear down faster than other materials.

Porcelain

Porcelain is prized for its natural look and feel. Its translucent quality closely mimics natural enamel, making it popular for achieving a realistic and lifelike appearance. Porcelain also offers excellent durability and resistance to staining, which helps dentures maintain their appearance over time.

However, porcelain can be more brittle than other materials and may not be recommended for those prone to grinding their teeth. Despite this, it remains an excellent option for those prioritizing aesthetics.  

Composite Resins

Composite resins strike a balance between durability, affordability, and aesthetics. These resins can be tinted to help match your natural teeth, resulting in an appealing, natural appearance. Composite resins are also strong and flexible, which makes them resistant to chipping and cracking while maintaining their shape and appearance. Their affordability makes them a practical choice for many wearers.

Types of Dentures

We offer a range of dentures, each tailored to meet specific needs and preferences. Generally, there are 2 types of dentures:

• Full Dentures: These replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They can be made using an acrylic resin base with porcelain or composite resin teeth. They’re removable and aim to restore both function and aesthetics.
• Partial Dentures: Designed to replace a few missing teeth, partial dentures typically feature a metal framework for support, combined with acrylic or composite resin teeth. You can take these out to clean them or at night.

You may also run into immediate dentures. These are temporary dentures made of lightweight acrylic that we can provide while our lab creates your permanent set.

While many dentures stay in place using suction or clasps, you can get implant-supported dentures. A blend of dental implants and dentures, these offer high stability but require a more involved fitting process since dental implants must be installed.

The Denture Creation Process

Creating dentures is a meticulous process that combines precision and artistry. Here’s what to expect when we begin to fit your dentures:

1. Consultation: Our team begins with a detailed examination to understand your dental profile and needs.
2. Impressions: We take precise measurements and impressions of your mouth to ensure a customized fit.
3. Modelling: We craft a wax model, allowing you to preview the final result and make adjustments before the final dentures are made.
4. Fabrication: The details and model are sent to our lab, where they will fabricate your dentures using high-quality materials.
5. Fitting and Adjustments: The completed dentures are fitted, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure your comfort and optimal functionality. We may need to make further adjustments as you adjust to them, but we’re here with you until you’re fully satisfied.

The entire process typically takes 2–3 visits. Every detail is tailored to your needs, allowing you to enjoy both comfort and confidence in your new smile.

Caring for Your Denture Materials

Caring for your dentures is key to preserving their functionality and appearance over time. Here are some tips to help prolong their lifespan:

• Clean daily: Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner and a soft brush to remove food particles and plaque, just as you would for your natural teeth.
• Handle with care: Avoid dropping your dentures as this can cause damage. Placing a towel below you while cleaning is a great safeguard.
• Store properly: When not in use, keep your dentures in a safe place to prevent them from drying out or losing shape.
• Regular checkups: Visit Smyl Dentistry for routine checkups to help maintain the good condition of your dentures and ensure they continue to fit comfortably.

We offer ongoing maintenance services, including professional cleaning and adjustments, to ensure your denture lasts. We can even backup your dentures, so if they’re ever lost or broken, we can 3D print you an emergency pair of acrylic dentures in as few as 2 days. You can wear these while the lab fabricates your new permanent appliance. 

Your Partners in Restoring Smiles

We’ve come a long way from wood and animal teeth. A well-made set of dentures can transform your smile and your day-to-day comfort. At Smyl Dentistry, we offer dentures that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally designed. We take pride in customizing every solution to fit your needs.

Bring your vision of a confident smile to life. Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step toward a better smile. Request an appointment here!