Denture material comparison: Which material for which purpose?

The loss of teeth due to caries, periodontal disease or trauma leads to changes in chewing, phonation and swallowing functions. It is therefore advisable to restore these functions with dentures.

Dentures can be secured in your mouth using dental bridges and other techniques. Today we will look at the dental materials used in the manufacture of dentures.

What materials are there for dentures?

The denture material is used with different materials with different properties depending on the purpose for which it is used. 

When deciding which material is best for which dentures, it is important to know the specifications of each type. 

composites

These are plastics with filling materials. They are used in dentistry for the restoration of caries lesions, tooth reconstructions, inlays, onlays and overlays, for the production of direct and indirect temporary restorations.

This material is currently more commonly used than dental amalgam. It is non-toxic, does not require invasive grinding of a crown , for example, and is used in minimally invasive dentistry. It is a highly aesthetic material. 

acrylic resins

These are made from polymethyl methacrylate. They are mainly used in dentistry in prosthetic bases for partial or full dentures. They can be used to support the lips, restore vertical dimension and gum volume.

It is a lightweight material and is typically used for permanent, temporary or immediate prostheses after an extraction.

Flexible resins

Made from nylon. The main property of these resins is their flexibility, which can be used in cases where the placement of a prosthesis made of acrylic resins and metal is difficult due to the position of the rest of the tooth parts. They can also be used in patients allergic to acrylic resins.

tooth porcelains

Ceramic is suitable as a material for tooth reconstruction due to its glass-like properties and its visual similarity to tooth enamel. They are used for the manufacture of all-porcelain crowns, porcelain-metal crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers. It is an unpigmented material.

The currently most commonly used porcelains for a dental prosthesis are zirconium, aluminum oxide and vitreous ceramics.

metals

Depending on their purpose, they are used in dental alloys. The percentages of the various components affect the final physical and chemical behavior.

There are several metals that are still used in dentistry. Their function is usually the internal structure of fixed dentures, structures in removable dentures or the element that makes up the entire implantological and surgical range, such as titanium. The most commonly used metals are gold, nickel, tin, aluminum or copper.

Why is choosing the right material important?

When it comes to dental treatment, the materials your dentist uses are almost as important as their skill and knowledge. The quality of the materials and instruments used not only influences the working method and the time required, but above all the end result in your mouth.

Even if they are more expensive, require that your dentist works with materials from certified suppliers and that they have passed the quality control processes. In general, and with some exceptions, be wary of materials and instruments imported from dubious countries, as they often do not meet these requirements. 

Good materials allow much more precise work, make complications less common and enable aesthetic and more lasting results than with bad materials.

at Dr. Joselowitsch, dentist partner of dolvi, the dentures are made exclusively in Germany, as he explains in this video:

Metal or ceramic dentures – what are the differences?

Porcelain and ceramic crowns are widely used because they perfectly imitate the natural appearance of the teeth. Metal crowns, made of platinum and nickel, are strong but unsightly and are intended for teeth that are located at the back of the mouth and are therefore unobtrusive.

Gold offers excellent durability and requires fewer modifications to natural teeth. It will not break or cause wear on the opposing tooth. 

The stainless steel ones are usually used on badly damaged milk teeth. They are only used on the first primary molars and in some cases the primary incisors of children.

With metal, care must also be taken to ensure that the patient is not allergic to it. That is why your dentist is best able to help you when it comes to deciding whether to have metal or ceramic dentures. 

The most common combination is that of metal and ceramic. This type of denture takes advantage of the strength and durability of metal (on the inside) and the natural aesthetics of ceramic (on the outside).

Which material is the best for bridges?

Dental bridges can be made from a variety of different materials depending on their purpose. For example, when it comes to improving the appearance of a smile, a denture material is chosen that makes the crown or bridge look natural in your mouth, such as porcelain or ceramic.

Strength is another important characteristic of a bridge. A material is often chosen that combines both strength and aesthetics. The most commonly used materials for bridges are porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, gold and acrylic. 

However, deciding what material to use for your bridge can be left to a dentist and lab technician who know what material is best for your teeth.

What material is the best for dentures?

The teeth of dentures are often made from different types of resin or porcelain. Today, acrylic resin is the preferred material for dentures, but porcelain is also sometimes used. 

Porcelain has a number of advantages. Porcelain teeth often look similar to real tooth enamel and can be color matched to natural teeth. These teeth also feel similar to real teeth, making them easier to get used to.

Acrylic resin has become a popular material for dentures for several reasons. It is known to adhere better to the base of a denture. It is also typically lighter in weight than other denture materials.

Conclusion: save on dentures with dolvi

The cost of a material from which the dentures are made can vary depending on the type of work and its use.

We don’t want you to potentially choose cheaper materials than you would normally need for your dentures for cost reasons. 

That’s why we invite you to ask your dentist for an estimate and upload it to dolvi . Certified dentists in your area will be able to see your cost estimate free of charge and without obligation and will offer you a better offer, of course without any loss of quality. 

We are committed to ensuring that high-quality dentures are affordable for you too!