Which are Better, Plastic or Metal Dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic appliances that are responsible for correcting dental anomalies caused by tooth decay, facial injuries, and so on. Dentures, in short, serve as replacements for natural teeth. Dentures come in various styles, including complete, partial, and so on.

Dentures are classified based on the base material, the number of teeth, and whether they will be partial or full.

Partial Denture – If any healthy teeth are remaining, these are kept. The teeth can also be used to support the dentures, and the denture wings will be attached to the teeth.

Full dentures are required when the original teeth are no longer available or when most of them have been lost. When there are 24 to 28 missing teeth, a full denture is required. Existing teeth will be extracted during this procedure. There is also an overdenture procedure in which the existing teeth are ground down to be level with the gum.

It is also important to remember that dentures are made of metals and plastics. So, let us address the looming question of whether metal dentures or plastic dentures are superior.

Overview of Metal Partial Dentures

Metal dentures are a type of dental prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. They consist of a metal framework with replacement teeth attached to it. The framework is designed to fit around the remaining natural teeth and hold the denture in place.

There are several benefits to partial metal dentures:

• Durability: Metal dentures are generally more durable than other partial dentures, such as plastic or acrylic. They are less prone to breaking or cracking and may last longer than different types of dentures.
• Secure fit: Metal dentures tend to fit more securely in the mouth than other types of partial dentures. This can help prevent the denture from slipping or moving around in the mouth.
• Strength: Metal dentures are generally stronger than other partial dentures, which means they can support more chewing forces and may be a better option for people who need to replace many teeth.

There are also some drawbacks to metal partial dentures:

• Cost: Metal dentures are generally more expensive than other partial dentures.
• Weight: Metal dentures are typically heavier than other partial dentures, which may be uncomfortable for some people to wear for extended periods.
• Aesthetics: Some people may not like the appearance of partial metal dentures, as they are more visible than other types of dentures.

It is essential to discuss the pros and cons of partial metal dentures with a dental professional at Koren Family Dental to determine if they are the right option for your specific situation.

Overview of Plastic Partial Dentures

Plastic dentures are a type of dental prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. They consist of a plastic base with replacement teeth attached to it. There are several benefits to partial plastic dentures:

• Cost: Plastic dentures are generally more affordable than other partial dentures, such as metal or acrylic.
• Comfort: Plastic dentures are generally more comfortable to wear than other types of partial dentures, as they are lighter in weight and more flexible. They are also less likely to irritate the gums or cause discomfort.
• Aesthetics: Plastic dentures are less visible in the mouth than other types of partial dentures, which may be more appealing to some people.

There are also some drawbacks to partial plastic dentures:

• Durability: Plastic partial dentures may not be as durable as other types of partial dentures, such as metal or acrylic. They may need to be replaced more often and are more prone to breaking or cracking if they are not handled carefully.
• Secure fit: Plastic partial dentures may not fit as securely in the mouth as other types of partial dentures, which can cause them to slip or move around in the mouth.
• Strength: Plastic partial dentures are generally not as strong as other types of partial dentures, which means they may not be able to support as much chewing force. They may not be the best option for people who need to replace many teeth.

Both metal and plastic dentures have benefits and drawbacks, and you can discuss with your dentist before getting dentures in Raritan, NJ, the best type for your teeth to meet your dental needs.