Acrylic Dentures - Pros and Cons

A denture made using acrylic plastic is the cheapest type of orthopedic design. Its use is possible in case of complete or partial absence of teeth. Such a prosthesis retains its original parameters in the form of color and shape for the entire period that is used. However, despite such attractive qualities, the acrylic denture still has some disadvantages.

The device of a plastic prosthesis

The structural composition of such a prosthesis includes an acrylic base, which imitates the edge of the gum, artificial teeth are usually attached to this edge, either as a whole, or several in different places. These teeth are also made of acrylic plastic, but sometimes ceramics can be used.

1. Dentures for the upper jaw occupy the entire surface of the sky, and their fixation is performed due to the effect of suction on it.
2. The fixation of the prosthesis on the lower jaw is performed due to the alveolar process, or more simply, due to the jaw part on which the teeth are located.

Using a complete removable acrylic denture

The main indications for the use of a complete denture are: congenital adentia, which implies the complete absence of germinated teeth, the loss of a large number of teeth, which is characteristic of the elderly. The fixation of a complete removable denture is carried out due to support on the gum, or fastening due to previously implanted implants, provided that their number is more than four.

Using a partially removable acrylic denture

The use of this type of prosthesis is possible with the loss of several teeth. Its fixation is performed with the help of clasps or hooks - additional devices designed to grip supporting teeth to hold the structure. The group of partially removable acrylic prostheses also includes a denture prosthesis, which is a temporary acrylic device designed to replace one tooth.

Making Acrylic Dentures

1. The first visit is necessary for the doctor to examine the oral cavity and take casts of teeth. After which these casts are transferred to the dental laboratory.
2. During the week, the dental laboratory provides the dentist with a ready-made denture. At the second appointment, the doctor shows the patient how to properly put on and fix the acrylic prosthesis, and also explains the rules for hygienic care for him. If necessary, a prosthesis under the jaw of the patient can be corrected. This is called a fit.

Pros of Acrylic Denture

The advantages of acrylic dentures include such factors:

1. The prosthesis is suitable for patients of any age category.
2. During a conversation, such a prosthesis is almost invisible due to the natural shade of the frame.
3. It is quite simply removed and put on.
4. Partial prosthetics provides for the distribution of the masticatory load not on the supporting teeth, but evenly throughout the gum.
5. If such a prosthesis breaks, it is easily repairable.
6. Low cost of prosthesis.

Minuses

Before choosing acrylic prosthetics, you should familiarize yourself with its shortcomings and possible risks in order to assess the feasibility of this procedure:

1. Due to the fact that the prosthesis has a wide area in contact with the gum, its soft tissues are not infrequently subjected to injuries and injuries.
2. If the prosthesis involves the presence of a calmer or any other type of attachment, in most cases it adversely affects tooth enamel, as it provokes the appearance of caries.
3. With prolonged wear of the prosthesis, an allergic reaction to the material from which it is made may occur, since acrylic begins to release toxic substances.
4. With an increased vomiting reflex, wearing a prosthesis is impractical.
5. Temporary violation of diction during the adaptation period.
6. Acrylic prosthesis is not intended for solid foods.
7. Frequent visits to the dentist for the purpose of routine inspection and correction of the prosthesis.
8. A removable prosthesis, which is attached with the help of suction cups, requires a long adaptation period during which the patient with the prosthesis must get used to its existence and learn how to eat food, talk and smile without experiencing moral discomfort. The duration of the adaptation period is exclusively individual, someone can quickly get used to it, and someone will take a decent amount of time. This is justified, first of all, by a psychological factor. It is necessary to positively tune in to the fact that there is an artificial jaw in the mouth and then the adaptation will be much faster, which in turn will greatly facilitate life.
9. During the first few weeks after the installation of the prosthesis, it is necessary to carry out a radical change in the diet, in order to exclude from it all those products that are forbidden to use when wearing a denture.

Acrylic Denture Care

Acrylic dentures require regular hygiene. This is justified by the fact that acrylic plastic has a porous structure, which, in turn, is an ideal condition for pathogenic bacteria to accumulate and multiply there. As a result, with insufficient care for the acrylic prosthesis, the occurrence of "acrylic stomatitis", which is an inflammatory disease of the oral cavity caused by pathogenic microflora, is not ruled out.

In order to avoid inflammatory diseases, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules for the care of the prosthesis:

• thoroughly clean the surface of the prosthesis several times a day;
• rinse the prosthesis with water after eating;
• remove the prosthesis at night and place a disinfectant solution;
• limit the consumption of solid and viscous foods;
• visit the dentist every six months for professional cleaning of the prosthesis.

Acrylic Denture Cleaners

An ordinary toothbrush is used to clean an acrylic denture; it can be either soft or with medium hardness. It also provides for the use of familiar toothpaste, which does not contain abrasive and whitening particles.

Using a toothbrush with increased rigidity will result in scratches on the surface of the denture. For disinfection, antiseptic drugs are used, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, chlorhexidine or miramistin.

Acrylic Denture Repair

Acrylic denture repair is necessary in the following situations:

1. When one or more of the patient’s “native” teeth is removed, in this case, the acrylic substitute builds up on the basis.
2. When an artificial tooth is damaged or falls out of the base, then replacement is contemplated.
3. When the fixing element breaks - a clasp.
4. When the basis weakly adheres to the gum, relocation is performed.
5. When a chip is formed on the frame, then an adjustment is made.

It usually takes a few days to repair the above damage. If this situation occurs during the period when the warranty period is valid, the prosthesis repair is free of charge, in all other cases you will have to pay. The repair cost is relatively low and, depending on its nature, can vary from 300 to 1000 rubles.

Video: Pros and Cons of Acrylic Dentures