For hundreds of years, humans have made dentures out of various materials to give themselves a full set of teeth once again. Thankfully, modern dentistry has brought dentures a long way from the use of animal teeth and pieces of bone. But what are dentures made of? How do you take care of your dentures to make them last? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions from a trusted dentist.
Denture Materials: The Teeth
In the past, the teeth part of dentures has been made with various materials including porcelain, but today, the new standard is acrylic resin. Acrylic adheres more securely to the base of the denture and they’re much easier to adjust than other materials. Acrylic resin is also less expensive than dental porcelain, less prone to damage from dropping, and they are much lighter weight for the wearer.
The one disadvantage that acrylic resin false teeth have is that they wear down faster than dental porcelain. For this reason, you should replace your dentures every 5 to 8 years.
Denture Materials: The Framework
Dentures require a framework or base to support the false teeth, which is typically called a partial or full plate. This plate is usually made out of rigid acrylic resin or flexible nylon polymer. Your dentist will first take a mold of your gums, and then use that as the template for the base of your dentures. Plates made of resin offer the unique advantage of being able to be tinted to match the natural color of your gums.
Get the Most Out of Your Dentures
Understanding the materials that make up your dentures will help you make them last longer, but you should also take these steps to get the most out of your prosthesis:
- Use a dental rinse to protect your natural gums from disease.
- Practice good oral hygiene by cleaning your dentures every day.
- Brush and floss any remaining natural teeth in your mouth.
- Keep your dentures moist at all times.
- Don’t use hot water when cleaning them because it can permanently warp their shape.
- Watch out for hard and sticky foods that can damage your dentures when you chew.
To make sure, ask your dentist what your prosthesis is made of, so you can better understand their lifespan and how to take care of them. Now that you know the essential parts that make up dentures, use the tips above to get the most out of them!
Meet the Dentist
Drs. Scott and Jeff Wehrkamp are a team of brothers who take pride in providing their patients in Brandon with quality care. Through membership in numerous dental organizations and continuing education, they both stay up-to-date on the latest dental techniques. For any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (605) 582-6522.