Sofia Martinez
Dentures are prosthetic appliances that act as replacements for natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the colour of the remaining teeth and gums, making them virtually undetectable. When selecting dentures, one must consider the type of material used for the base. The two most common types of dentures are plastic and metal. Plastic dentures are generally cheaper, more comfortable, flexible, and easier to make and adjust. Metal dentures, on the other hand, are more durable, provide better support, and are easier to adjust to due to their smaller size. However, they are more expensive and take longer to fabricate. The choice between plastic and metal dentures depends on factors such as dental requirements, oral health, personal preferences, and budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Metal dentures are more expensive than plastic dentures due to the higher cost of materials and the additional expertise required for fabrication. |
| Time | Metal dentures take longer to make than plastic dentures. |
| Aesthetics | Metal dentures are less aesthetically pleasing than plastic dentures due to their colour. |
| Support | Metal dentures provide better support than plastic dentures, especially when combined with remaining teeth. Plastic dentures are often referred to as 'gum strippers' by dentists because they put pressure on the gums when biting down. |
| Durability | Metal dentures are more durable and long-lasting than plastic dentures. |
| Size | Metal dentures are smaller than plastic dentures and take up less space in the mouth, making them easier to adjust to. |
| Comfort | Plastic dentures are more comfortable and flexible than metal dentures, causing less irritation when talking and walking. |
| Relining | Metal dentures are more difficult to reline than plastic dentures. |
| Fragility | Plastic dentures are more fragile than metal dentures. |
| Stability | Plastic dentures tend to shrink and may require relining. |
| Gum Damage | Plastic dentures can irritate the gums. |
| Soaking | Plastic dentures must be kept in a soaking solution when removed. |
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What You'll Learn
Metal dentures are more expensive but last longer
Metal dentures are more expensive than plastic dentures, but they offer better support and tend to last longer. Metal dentures are generally made of cobalt chrome, which is a more expensive raw material and requires more skill from the dentist and technician to make a good set. They also take longer to fabricate.
Plastic dentures are usually made entirely of plastic, except for the stainless steel clasps or attachment wings at the ends. These clasps are not very stiff and tend to deform quickly, causing the denture not to stay in place. Plastic dentures are also more likely to irritate the gums and need to be relined as they shrink over time.
Metal dentures, on the other hand, have rest seats for better support. They are also tooth-supported, which means they won't sink into the mouth or move around when you bite down, unlike plastic dentures, which are gum-supported and can put a lot of pressure on the gums. Metal dentures are also smaller and easier to adjust to, and they don't take up as much room in the wearer's mouth, making them feel more natural.
While metal dentures have many advantages, they do have some drawbacks. They are more expensive and take longer to fabricate, and aesthetically, the metal colour may not be as pleasing as the clear clasps of plastic dentures.
Ultimately, the decision between metal and plastic dentures depends on the patient's dental requirements, oral health, preferences, and budget. It is important to discuss the options with a dentist to make an informed decision.
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Plastic dentures are more affordable and easier to make
Plastic dentures are made from acrylic resin or plastic, a strong and durable material that closely resembles the natural colour of the gums. They are more affordable than metal dentures due to the lower cost of materials and the relative ease of fabrication. Plastic dentures are also quicker to create, requiring less expertise from the dentist and technician.
Plastic dentures are a good option for those who need immediate dentures, such as after a tooth extraction, as they can be worn while the gums heal and until a permanent denture is ready. They are also more comfortable and flexible than metal dentures, causing less irritation when talking and walking. The clear clasps used in plastic dentures are considered more aesthetically pleasing than the metal clasps, although these tend to deform quickly and do not hold the denture in place as well.
While plastic dentures are a more affordable and quicker option, they do have some disadvantages. They are more fragile and less durable than metal dentures, and they can irritate the gums and require relining. Metal dentures, on the other hand, offer better support and stability, especially if there are remaining teeth to help keep them in place. Metal dentures also allow for the addition of extra teeth, which is not possible with plastic dentures.
Ultimately, the decision between plastic and metal dentures depends on the individual's dental requirements, oral health, preferences, and budget. It is important to discuss the options with a dentist to make an informed decision and ensure the chosen denture meets the patient's needs and preferences.
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Metal dentures are smaller and easier to adjust to
Metal dentures are smaller than their plastic counterparts and are often easier to adjust to. They are also more durable and long-lasting. Metal dentures are generally more expensive than plastic dentures due to the higher cost of materials and the additional expertise required for fabrication. Metal dentures also take longer to make.
Metal dentures consist of a cast metal frame with replacement teeth attached. They are often smaller in size and take up less space in the wearer's mouth, making them easier to adjust to and more comfortable. The metal variety also has better support, as they are tooth-supported, whereas plastic dentures are gum-supported, which can lead to gum damage over time.
Metal dentures are more durable and long-lasting than plastic dentures. They can also be modified to include additional teeth, which is not possible with plastic dentures. The metal variety is also more stable and less likely to move around in the mouth, providing a more secure fit.
While metal dentures offer several advantages, there are some drawbacks. They are more expensive and take longer to fabricate. Additionally, the colour of the metal may be visible, which some may consider a cosmetic concern.
Plastic dentures, also known as acrylic dentures, are made from acrylic resin or plastic, which closely resembles the natural colour of the gums. They are generally more affordable, flexible, and comfortable than metal dentures. They are also easier for dentists to adjust, and wearers typically experience less irritation along the gum line. However, plastic dentures are less durable and may not provide the same level of support and stability as metal dentures.
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Plastic dentures are more comfortable and flexible
Plastic dentures are made entirely of plastic, except for the clasp wires or attachment wings at the ends. They are cheaper to make, easier to construct, and are the preferred choice for immediate dentures. They are also more comfortable and flexible than metal dentures.
Plastic dentures are more comfortable than metal dentures because they cause less irritation when talking and walking. They are also easier for a general dentist to adjust, and wearers typically experience less irritation along the gumline. Plastic dentures use clear clasps, which are not very stiff and tend to deform quickly. However, this means that the denture doesn't stay in place as well as metal dentures.
Plastic dentures are also more flexible than metal dentures. They are made from acrylic resin or plastic, a strong and durable material that closely resembles the natural colour of the gums. They are also easier to adjust and reline because of the flexible material. This makes them a more popular choice among denture wearers.
Plastic dentures are also quicker to create compared to metal dentures. This is because they are easier to construct and don't require as much skill from the dentist and technician. However, it is important to note that plastic dentures are more fragile and may need to be relined as they can shrink. They can also irritate the gums and must be kept in a soaking solution when removed.
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Metal dentures have better support
Metal dentures are generally more expensive than plastic dentures, but they offer better support. Metal dentures are attached to the remaining teeth with metal clasps, which help to keep the denture in place and prevent it from rotating. These clasps are made of cobalt chrome, a type of metal that provides much stiffer support than the stainless steel clasps used in plastic dentures, which tend to deform quickly.
Metal dentures also have rest seats placed in them for better support. Dentures can be tooth-supported, gum-supported, or a combination of both. Gum-supported dentures are the least desirable option as they can cause significant pressure on the gums when biting down. Metal dentures always have some element of tooth support, while plastic dentures are typically gum-supported and are often referred to as "gum strippers" by dentists.
Metal dentures are also more durable and long-lasting than plastic dentures, which can break down easily and are typically more fragile. Metal dentures are smaller and take up less room in the wearer's mouth, often making them easier to adjust to. They also allow for the addition of extra teeth, which is not possible with plastic dentures.
While metal dentures offer better support and durability, plastic dentures have their own advantages. Plastic dentures are generally cheaper and quicker to fabricate than metal dentures. They are also more flexible and comfortable, causing less irritation when talking and walking. Plastic dentures are also considered more aesthetically pleasing due to their clear clasps, while metal dentures may be visible depending on their placement. Ultimately, the decision between metal and plastic dentures depends on the patient's dental requirements, oral health, preferences, and budget.
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Frequently asked questions
Dentures are made of either acrylic or metal. Acrylic dentures are also known as plastic dentures.
Plastic dentures are cheaper, easier to make, and more comfortable than metal dentures. They are also more flexible and cause less irritation when talking and walking.
Plastic dentures are less durable and stable than metal dentures. They are also harder to keep in place and can irritate the gums.
Metal dentures are more durable and stable than plastic dentures. They are also easier to adjust to and don't take up as much room in the mouth.
Metal dentures are more expensive and take longer to make. They are also less aesthetically pleasing due to their colour.
