What are dentures made of?

What are dentures made of?

Cleveland Clinic says technicians make dentures from acrylic, resin, nylon, metal and porcelain. In everyday terms, the gum-colored base is usually acrylic or resin, the teeth may be acrylic or porcelain, and partial dentures may use a metal framework with clasps. The sources we read do not break down which material is used for each part or give relative lifespans, so ask your dentist what yours is made from and why.

What are fake teeth called?

Dentures, also called false teeth, are removable replacements for missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. ADA MouthHealthy describes conventional, immediate and overdentures, and Cleveland Clinic describes complete, partial, immediate, implant-retained and implant-supported dentures. A single missing tooth is usually replaced by a bridge or implant crown rather than a denture, though a small partial denture, sometimes called a flipper, is another option. See our guide on flipper teeth.

What types of dentures are there?

Cleveland Clinic lists these types:

• Complete (full) dentures replace an entire arch and rest on the gums, and may need adhesive.
• Partial dentures replace several or most teeth in one or both jaws, with clasps that hook onto remaining natural teeth.
• Immediate dentures are worn right after extractions and are sometimes temporary until the mouth heals.
• Implant-retained dentures are removable and attach to dental implants.
• Implant-supported dentures are non-removable, sometimes called permanent or hybrid dentures, and only a dentist can remove them.

What is an overdenture?

ADA MouthHealthy says an overdenture fits over a small number of prepared natural teeth to preserve the jawbone and provide support, and that implants can serve the same function. Cleveland Clinic's implant-supported denture page says overdentures generally need replacing every 15 to 20 years while implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Ask your dentist whether keeping some roots or adding implants could help your jaw and your fit.

What are permanent dentures?

Cleveland Clinic uses permanent to describe implant-supported dentures that are non-removable and removed only by a dentist. The article on implant-supported dentures describes All-on-4 as a fixed denture on four implants, with steps that may include extractions, bone grafting, implant placement and final attachment. See our implants guide.

What are flexible dentures?

The sources we read do not use the term flexible dentures. Cleveland Clinic lists nylon among denture materials, which is the closest match, but it does not describe flexible partials. If a dentist or lab recommends a flexible partial, ask what it is made of, how long it lasts, and whether it can be adjusted or relined.

What is a reline of dentures?

Cleveland Clinic says a reline adds material to the inside of the denture to improve comfort and fit, and recommends one every one to two years or whenever the fit changes. ADA MouthHealthy notes immediate dentures may need relining or remaking after the jaw heals. Healthline's denture care article covers daily cleaning, removing dentures overnight and caring for the gums. Sources we read do not explain rebasing, so ask your dentist.

Caring for dentures made of these materials

Care depends on the materials, so ask the dentist who made your denture how to clean it and what to avoid. Healthline's denture care article covers daily cleaning and caring for the gums, and Cleveland Clinic's implant-supported denture page says to clean dentures at least twice a day, taking removable ones out daily and soaking them overnight in denture solution. Clean your gums and any remaining natural teeth too, and bring a cracked, loose or poorly fitting denture in for repair rather than attempting a fix at home. A change in fit is also the usual reason for a reline.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask for a written description of your denture.

• What are the base and teeth made of?
• Is this a complete, partial, immediate or implant-supported denture?
• How often will it need relining?
• How should I clean it, and should I take it out overnight?
• What happens if it breaks or my fit changes?

Frequently asked questions