Many people assume that all dentures are made of the same material, but this is not the case. Many dentists will allow you to choose the material, though they will obviously offer some advice based around your own situation, and two of the most popular choices are porcelain and acrylic.

Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so take the time to consider them before you make your final decision.

Porcelain False Teeth

Porcelain has been used to make false teeth for a long time, and it still presents several advantages over newer options, such as acrylic. Most importantly, porcelain is the harder of these two materials, so they will resist wear more easily than acrylic ones, lasting much longer as a result.

Additionally, though both acrylic and porcelain false teeth can look just like natural ones, porcelain takes a slight edge since it can better mimic the slight layer of translucency and depth of colour that mark out natural teeth.

Unfortunately, porcelain false teeth do come with their fair share of issues. The most serious is that porcelain is a lot heavier than acrylic. When you chew, you put pressure on your dentures, and that force is transferred to the supporting bone that lies beneath them. Since heavy porcelain absorbs less of that force, bone loss tends to be accelerated; if excessive bone reabsorption is likely to be an issue for you, it's best to steer clear of porcelain false teeth.

Other drawbacks include the fact that porcelain, while stronger, is more likely to chip, crack, or otherwise fracture, and it tends to be the more expensive of the two materials.

Acrylic False Teeth

Acrylic teeth are much lighter than porcelain ones, so they don't present the same problems when it comes to bone reabsorption. Reabsorption will still occur, but it will do so at a slower rate. Additionally, acrylic false teeth are less likely to fracture, so many people experience greater peace of mind while using them.

They also tend to be better for people who only need to wear a partial denture since porcelain can cause wear to natural teeth. Though not important from a position of oral health, many users find that acrylic false teeth are quieter than porcelain ones, which may make a slight noise while you chew.

However, acrylic false teeth will need to be replaced more frequently. They also take stains relatively easily since the surface of acrylic contains microscopic pits that can make ideal places for bacteria to thrive – this can also cause denture halitosis if the dentures are not properly cleaned each night.

Share