home Thyroid Plastic dentures: pros and cons. Artificial teeth are plastic dentures. Should plastic dentures be left in the mouth overnight?

Plastic dentures: pros and cons. Artificial teeth are plastic dentures. Should plastic dentures be left in the mouth overnight?

What are removable dentures made of acrylic plastic and what do they look like in practice?
What kind of acrylic dentures are there in general and how they can be attached to the jaw;
Pros and cons of acrylic dentures, and why dentists, unlike patients, consider them only as temporary orthopedic structures;
How exactly is the production of a removable denture made of acrylic plastic carried out and at what stages is the mandatory presence of the patient required;
How to properly care for acrylic dentures so that they last a long time and do not cause harm to the oral cavity;
Is it possible to independently repair a broken acrylic prosthesis at home and what important nuances should be taken into account;
And finally, how much do removable acrylic dentures cost and what factors directly determine their price...

Despite the increasing criticism from practicing orthopedic dentists of removable dentures made of acrylic plastic every year, these orthopedic designs, despite their shortcomings, are still one of the most common and popular in Russia.

However, before we talk about the pros and cons of acrylic prostheses, let’s first figure out what kind of design this is, what it looks like and how it actually “works” in practice.

To put it simply, an acrylic denture is a removable plastic structure that replaces the teeth lost by the patient and, as a result, allows you to fully chew food and have a very pretty smile. The base of such a prosthesis, made of pink plastic, imitates the gums and palate (for the upper jaw) and is individually adjusted to the jaw of a particular patient. Artificial teeth are attached to a plastic base - they are standard, and are taken by a dental technician from special sets of artificial teeth.

As the name suggests, the most important feature of a removable acrylic denture is the patient’s ability to remove the structure at any time, and then easily install it back if necessary. In the case of using fixed dentures, there is no such possibility: for example, it is impossible to remove bridges, or, say, crowns fixed to the supporting teeth with special cements.

On a note

As you understand, the fact that an acrylic plastic prosthesis is removable is perceived by most people as a minus rather than a plus. Few people like the thought of having to use so-called “false jaws”, which, at any moment, can also move away from the jaw (fall out) at the most inopportune moment.

However, not everything is so bad: some types of dentures made of acrylic plastic can be fixed with metal hooks (clasps) or special locks on the supporting teeth. In some cases, this fixation is so effective that without significant effort (less often, without the help of a dentist), the prosthesis cannot be removed.

To be fair, it must be said that removable dentures made of acrylic plastic, despite some obsolescence of this prosthetic technology, have not only negative reviews, but also many positive ones, both from dentists and from patients.

“My husband has been using an acrylic prosthesis for 3 years, and he grumbles all the time. At first the prosthesis rubbed my gums, okay, we went and adjusted something and it got better. But he still couldn’t get used to it for a long time; he complained that he couldn’t feel the taste of food and interfered with conversations. And in addition to problems with diction, there is also dry mouth. Then he rarely began to use it, he says that using it he feels like an invalid...”

Oksana, St. Petersburg

But are acrylic dentures as scary as they are sometimes written about in reviews, or can this type of prosthetics really be a good choice from both a functional and aesthetic point of view? Let's find out...

What types of acrylic dentures are there?

So, we looked at what an acrylic prosthesis is in the most general terms above. However, you need to keep in mind that dentures made of acrylic plastic come in several types - let’s talk about them.

Let's start with the so-called complete acrylic dentures - they are made when all teeth are missing in the jaw. Accordingly, there can be a complete denture of the upper jaw and a complete denture of the lower jaw. In cases where there are no teeth at all in the oral cavity, both are installed at once.

In the upper jaw, the support of the prosthesis is the alveolar process, palate, natural folds and zones of anatomical retention. In the lower jaw, there are fewer options for holding an acrylic denture, since there is no suction option like the upper structure, which can be suctioned to the roof of the mouth. Accordingly, the lower removable acrylic denture is able to adhere, first of all, due to natural anatomical formations and adhesion (sticking) to the gum on the alveolar process.

This is interesting

To carry out removable prosthetics in the complete absence of teeth, the orthopedic dentist relies on the condition of the alveolar processes, cords, pliability of the mucous membrane, frenulum, etc. Most often, complete removable prosthetics are sought when serious atrophy of the alveolar processes has already occurred. We are most often talking about elderly people, disabled people, seriously ill patients who, for financial reasons (most often), refuse orthopedic treatment.

Often, patients wait until serious health problems appear: disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, the formation of an “senile facial expression,” jaw protrusion, problems with the temporomandibular joint, which sometimes causes speech and hearing disorders. The success of prosthetics in such patients directly depends not only on the tactics of the dentist, but also on the conditions available in the oral cavity for retaining the prosthesis. This is what largely determines the state of comfort when wearing a structure made of acrylic plastic.

However, acrylic partial dentures are more often used. If there are at least several teeth in the oral cavity, the situation with convenient fastening of plastic structures is much more favorable than with complete edentia. This is due to the fact that for additional effective retention of an acrylic partial denture, 1 or more teeth are used as support.

Clasp fixation is one of the most common: the prosthesis clasp (in other words, a hook) covers the teeth selected for support above the gingival margin, which ensures reliable fixation of the structure (see example in the photo below).

On a note

Plastic dentures can also be conditionally non-removable - for example, covering dentures attached to tooth roots prepared for prosthetics or pre-installed implants. Such designs are functional and look quite aesthetically pleasing, and only a doctor can remove them using special tools.

Fixed overdentures are usually made not from acrylic plastic, but from more elastic nylon, and they also come in two types: partial (fixed to the roots) and complete (attached to installed implants in the absence of all teeth).

Separately, it is worth mentioning partial immediate dentures made of acrylic plastic, which have numerous positive reviews from grateful patients. The fact is that these so-called butterfly dentures are an excellent option for temporary prosthetics when you need to remove a tooth (or several teeth at once), but you don’t want to walk around with a “hole” in your dentition for a long time. Acrylic plastic is still a popular material for the manufacture of butterfly prosthetics.

I would also like to note an important point that many patients think little about: dentists consider all removable dentures made of acrylic plastic as structures for temporary prosthetics. That is, it is assumed that ideally the patient will subsequently install, for example, implants that will prevent bone loss (with long-term wearing of removable plastic dentures, the bone does not receive sufficient chewing load and gradually atrophies - and, for example, changes in facial features are possible).

It is clear that not every patient is ready to fork out money for the installation of expensive implants. So it turns out that “nothing is as permanent as temporary”...

Advantages of acrylic dentures

Before highlighting the positive aspects of acrylic dentures, let's first clarify some details. Today, as a rule, certain pros and cons of prostheses made of acrylic plastic are contrasted with the characteristics of nylon prostheses, which are positioned as more modern. And the key question that interests many people in this regard boils down, in general, to the following: which denture is better, acrylic or nylon?

The photo below shows an example of a partial nylon denture for the upper jaw:

So, from a professional point of view and strictly speaking, the best is the one that is not only indicated in a specific clinical situation, but will also allow you to solve a maximum of problems in the future with minimal negative impact. And asking a dentist which prosthesis is better is like asking the manager of a car dealership which car is better: the one that is cheaper or the one that is more expensive. The financial component when choosing in both cases should be taken into account, if not in the first place, then not in the last place.

However, often not entirely conscientious orthopedic doctors speculate on the advantages of expensive structures, specifically highlighting the disadvantages of cheaper acrylic prostheses. More precisely, they take the negative property found in this design out of context, warning the patient about a non-existent danger for him. As a result, methods and materials that have been proven over the years begin to give way under the onslaught of products that are “pushed” to patients and that are more convenient for the doctor’s wallet.

Meanwhile, a simple truth is quite obvious: there is no universal ideal dental prosthetics. Some here may object: how can it be that they made me such and such a prosthesis, and I use it without any problems. In fact, every successful case is the result of correct diagnosis and an individually selected orthopedic treatment plan. Simply put, for one grandmother an ordinary acrylic prosthesis will be enough for a comfortable life and wallet, while for another grandfather the most advanced nylon prosthesis will not be suitable, but his neighbor in the country will be perfect.

Now let's move on to specifics.

The main advantages of acrylic dentures:

Relatively low cost. For many people, the low price of a prosthesis may be a reason to doubt the quality of the design, but in the hands of a skilled doctor, an acrylic prosthesis can solve its problems to the fullest, both functionally and aesthetically. As a result, you can get artificial teeth for little money, and in some cases even for free (thanks to the compulsory medical insurance program, pensioners and certain social categories of people have the opportunity to receive partial or complete acrylic dentures for free on a first-come, first-served basis);
Ease of use. A properly made acrylic denture is easy to put on and take off, and caring for it is not much more difficult than caring for your natural teeth;
Lightness and strength of the material;
Possibility of production in one visit;
Acceptable or even excellent aesthetic characteristics in the case of proper selection of the color of artificial teeth;
Possibility of repair after breakdown;
Adequate distribution of load during chewing.

“Now even young people walk with prosthetics and it’s fine. So I decided, I will put a denture on the lower jaw. What will happen will happen, I have already prepared the mouth, there will be crowns in front, and an acrylic prosthesis in the back. My friend has had this denture for 2 years now, she likes it all, she says it’s like her own teeth, she doesn’t even notice it and doesn’t even take it off at night. But I have no other options, so I can only hope that everything will be fine...”

Galina, Moscow

What you should know about the disadvantages of acrylic dentures in advance

Despite the apparent simplicity of making a removable acrylic denture (casting a plastic base and fixing artificial teeth in it), the orthopedist and dental technician are not always able to sufficiently take into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s oral cavity.

This is why you can so often hear in reviews that the acrylic prosthesis turned out to be uncomfortable, the teeth are “horselike”, that the prosthesis rubs the gums, falls out, diction suffers, a gag reflex occurs, etc. Many people mistakenly consider this to be a disadvantage of acrylic (acrylic plastic), but in reality, most often it is due to one of two problems: either the lack of professionalism of a specialist, or the tandem of an orthopedist and a dental technician has become obsolete (yes, this also happens).

This may also be compounded by the imperfection of diagnostic methods and the lack of necessary equipment. In general, in removable prosthetics, regardless of its type, every little detail is important: if the doctor calculates the features of the jaw and its anatomical formations by eye, then even after numerous corrections the patient will simply put the prosthesis “on the shelf.”

Increased risk of allergies to acrylic or functional additives present in plastic (dyes, antioxidants, plasticizers). Allergies, manifested, for example, in the form of denture stomatitis, are often caused by trace amounts of methyl methacrylate, the methyl ester of methacrylic acid, contained in dentures. Modern technologies make it possible to overcome this problem. For example, for many years there has been technology to protect the mucous membranes of the oral cavity from plastic monomers using insulating gaskets, vitrification of the surface of the prosthesis and other types of surface treatments;
The porous structure of plastic is a possible breeding ground for bacteria. Special studies have shown that acrylic plastics are able to gradually “absorb” organic substances from food (including dyes), resulting in the formation of bacterial plaque on the plastic surfaces of the prosthesis. However, if you follow the rules of hygiene and care for the prosthesis, this process can be minimized (after all, bacterial plaque forms both on a person’s natural teeth and on the surface of the tongue).

The remaining disadvantages (difficulty in adaptation, possible impairment of taste and diction, low level of fixation, possible injury to the gums, insufficient aesthetics of the clasps, and others) can be called conditional, since they are largely the result of errors in the orthopedic treatment. The fact is that the lion's share of such shortcomings in the case of a low level of skill of the doctor can also appear with other types of prosthetics, even with implants.

The disadvantage of acrylic dentures is also the increased fragility of acrylic plastic, as a result of which the structure can break, for example, when falling or even simply when chewing hard food.

As the prosthetic bed atrophies, the risk of acrylic denture failure increases. And even if you can repair an acrylic prosthesis with your own hands (for example, craftsmen like to glue it with epoxy resin or super glue), then with a high probability it will break again under the next load, since its base no longer corresponds well to the changed base of the bed. Since the relief of the bed has changed, you need to make a new acrylic prosthesis, and not engage in regular independent repairs.

“I had a removable acrylic denture made six months ago, but I couldn’t use it regularly. It's all due to a horribly heightened gag reflex. I couldn’t communicate or eat normally with him. Actually, I chose this prosthesis myself, because I simply didn’t have enough money for anything else, and the doctor immediately warned me that it would be difficult to get used to at first. Even when the cast was taken from above, I almost vomited. I thought that I was being trivially deceived into using a clasp prosthesis; the doctor initially advised it. Now I understand that the top of clasp dentures does not really cover the palate, so people have almost no urge to vomit...”

Olga, Samara

How dentures are made from acrylic plastic

The principle of making a removable denture from acrylic plastic is quite simple from the patient’s point of view, and the whole process, in fact, consists of only two stages: clinical and laboratory. The clinical test is performed in the office of an orthopedic dentist, and the laboratory test is performed in a dental laboratory.

Let's look at the technology for making acrylic dentures in order:

The first clinical stage involves preparing or processing (“grinding”) the abutment teeth (if any) followed by taking impressions of the patient’s jaws. Almost always, crowns will be made on the supporting teeth to prevent the negative consequences of the clasps coming into contact with the teeth. The duration of this clinical stage is from 30 minutes to 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the work;
At the first laboratory stage, based on the impressions obtained, the dental technician casts plaster models - these are, in fact, the patient’s jaws, but only from plaster. Bite wax ridges are formed along them;
At the second clinical stage, the patient bites down on these ridges to determine the height of the bite and its characteristics. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes;
At the second laboratory stage, the technician creates a wax model of future jaws with artificial teeth installed on it;
At the third clinical stage, the orthopedist tries on the wax structure in the patient’s mouth;
At the third (last) laboratory stage, an acrylic prosthesis is made; as a rule, it is solid. The structure is then ground and polished;
After transferring the finished products from the laboratory, the orthopedic dentist hands over the dentures to the patient: fits and adjusts them according to the situation. In this case, the shade of artificial teeth corresponds to the Vita color scale (color scale table) agreed with the patient at the clinical stages of treatment.

Basic rules for caring for acrylic dentures

Most people today know very well how to properly care for their teeth: rinse every time after eating and brush in the morning and before bed with a brush and toothpaste. Despite the fact that acrylic plastic is an artificial material and, it would seem, bacteria are too tough, in reality, you need to care for an acrylic prosthesis no less carefully than for your natural teeth. All principles of care remain unchanged: rinse your mouth after eating and clean your denture with a toothbrush and paste.

On a note

Just don’t use whitening toothpaste - such toothpastes are characterized by increased abrasiveness, and you don’t want to wear off the plastic quickly, do you?

If it is impossible to clean the denture by rinsing the mouth, you can rinse the structure under running water after eating. In addition, there are special solutions for additional hygiene of the prosthesis and maintaining it in good condition.

Do not forget that any problems associated with discomfort after receiving a prosthesis require monitoring by a doctor. It doesn’t matter when they appeared: the next day or a few months later. A mandatory recommendation is to visit an orthopedist once every 6 months for monitoring and possible “correction” of the base or retaining elements of the prosthesis.

“I have been wearing an acrylic prosthesis for 3 years now and I can say that it is both comfortable and affordable. And if I were to get implants, as the doctor calculated for me, then I would have to sell my car, or at least a kidney. Easy to remove and easy to clean. I clean it with a regular toothbrush. The prosthesis does not rub the gums and fits in the mouth like a glove. In short, I have no complaints so far. Let’s hope the prosthesis will last a long time.”

Ivan, Ekaterinburg

Is it possible to repair a prosthesis yourself?

If an acrylic denture is accidentally dropped into a sink or on the floor during hygiene procedures, or certain areas of it are overloaded while chewing food, a crack may form in the base or even a structural fracture may occur.

Repairing a removable acrylic denture with your own hands is not possible in all cases. For example, if the clasp (hook) of a structure is broken, then a person without special skills is unlikely to be able to replace it on his own.

The main mistake of particularly “advanced” people is to try to glue fragments of the prosthesis with the first adhesives that come to hand: epoxy glue, “Moment”, sometimes they even try to use PVA. Often this independent initiative leads to undesirable consequences due to the toxic effect of substances contained in the glue, which, with prolonged contact with the oral mucosa, can cause dermatitis and eczema (especially if the ratio of hardener and epoxy resin is incorrect).

Here are some nuances that are useful to consider if you suddenly decide to repair your dentures yourself:

When using PVA, the adhesive seam may become soft under the influence of moisture - accordingly, the glued halves will quickly separate again;
You should not even try to glue an acrylic prosthesis with rubber adhesives. The adhesive seam should not be elastic, but rigid (in the case of nylon prostheses, the situation may be exactly the opposite);
When using an excess amount of hardener in relation to epoxy resin, there is a risk of severe irritation of the gums from alkaline amines included in the hardener;
Super glue (cyanoacrylate) in some cases may be suitable for temporary repair of an acrylic prosthesis - for example, if you have made an appointment with a dental technician for repairs, but you need to wait a few more days for an appointment, and you don’t want to go “without teeth”. Well, in this case, with competent and careful work, repairing the prosthesis with super glue may turn out to be a more promising and safer idea than trying to use other adhesive options (of course, it is important to follow the instructions for using super glue). However, it must be taken into account that in this case, the adhesive seam will gradually lose strength due to the constant action of moisture.

On a note

Some craftsmen sometimes also try to solder a broken acrylic prosthesis at home. As a rule, such attempts end in failure, even if polymethyl methacrylate is used as a kind of hot-melt adhesive.

As for the correction of the prosthesis, for example, in relation to a clasp that is too tight or, conversely, loose, it is also better to contact a dental technician. If you decide to repair your dentures at home at your own risk, in this case you can use pliers. This should be done as carefully as possible with constant fitting of the prosthesis, so as not to accidentally break off the hook.

The same applies to correcting the base of the prosthesis if it rubs the mucous membrane. If you are not sure that you can polish it efficiently with nail files or sandpaper, then it is better not to start at all. The risk of completely ruining the prosthesis when repairing it yourself is very high, therefore, for maximum results, it is preferable to have removable structures adjusted by an orthopedic dentist.

A few words about the cost of acrylic dentures

The cost of an acrylic denture largely depends on the materials used for its manufacture, as well as on the extent of the dentition defect.

For example, at the request of the client, acrylic plastics from Russian, Czech and even Japanese manufacturers can be used to make the base. Accordingly, the price of the finished product can vary within significant limits, sometimes differing significantly.

The price of an acrylic prosthesis is also determined according to the method of fixing it to the supporting teeth. Acrylic dentures with a small number of artificial teeth can be relatively inexpensive, but it is important to remember that in addition to removable structures, crowns can also be made for abutment teeth, which are charged separately for each crown unit.

In general, the cost of removable acrylic dentures for the entire jaw (upper or lower) usually ranges from 5 thousand rubles to 15-20 thousand, depending on the level of the clinic, the quality of the plastic for the bases, the purchase price of dental sets and some other factors.

Useful video about calluses in the oral cavity caused by acrylic dentures

How to live fully with removable dentures and care for them

) - dentist-therapist, periodontist. Specializes in the fields of: endodontics, aesthetic and functional restoration, professional hygiene and periodontology.

A material such as plastic is quite fragile, toxic and has many other disadvantages, but it has been used for a long time for the manufacture of products that have found their consumers. Why do patients often choose plastic dentures, what are the features of plastic dentures?

Dentures using plastic are manufactured using two methods.

The pressed method is compression pressing. The fastest and easiest way to get a finished structure, which affects its quality. A product made using this method cannot perfectly match all the features of the jaw arch. This increases the adaptation time. Also, such structures have a shorter service life.
Casting method. This manufacturing method allows you to give the system the most accurate shape of the jaw arches, as well as reproduce the naturalness of teeth and gums. They are used for partial or complete loss of natural teeth.

– are installed in the complete absence of all teeth. Acrylic plastic is often used for their production. Fixation of the structure occurs due to the suction of the surface of the system to the mucous membrane and gums.
Partially removable systems. They can be used when several dental units are lost, when you need to gain time for the possible installation of implants or other types of prosthetics. Also, such systems are used when the patient has problems in the oral cavity that require time to resolve.

Manufacturers of plastic prostheses also offer other options for their products. For example, metal-plastic structures. They are based on metal and covered with composite plastic.

Due to low quality indicators, plastic prostheses are recommended for temporary prosthetics in order to restore aesthetic appeal until implantation becomes possible.

Pros and cons of plastic structures

Plastic prostheses are among the simplest and most understandable designs, the use of which does not require special skills. Patients and orthopedists highlight several positive qualities of this design:

Good aesthetic indicators. The plastic is matched to the natural tissues of the patient’s oral cavity, creating a perfect resemblance.
Quick adaptation to the system. Plastic does not violate the surface of the enamel and does not irritate soft tissues with which it comes into contact.
A significant argument in the use of such structures is the low cost of the product.

Plastic also has serious disadvantages that become barriers to its mass use:

The structure of the plastic is quite soft and pliable, so the system quickly collapses and changes its structure. This renders the design unusable.
Even if the system was initially ideally manufactured to suit the characteristics of the jaw structure and did not bring discomfort to its owner, over time it becomes deformed and changes shape, and this leads to irritation of the mucous tissues and their chafing.
The same problems occur with good aesthetic indicators. Improper care of the system or improper nutrition contribute to the deterioration of the appearance of the structure.

Another disadvantage is the insufficient adherence of the system to the jaw gums. Food particles begin to get under the denture, rubbing the mucous membrane and provoking the development of pathogenic bacteria. Although this disadvantage can be combated. For this, doctors suggest using, which will help create a better one and thereby reduce the resulting space.

Paste for fixing plastic dentures

Paste, cream or glue, which is used for better fixation of dental structures, does not actually have an adhesive consistency. This is a dense substance that only creates the effect of a tight connection between the system and the gum. Such creams are used once a day, applied in a thin layer to the surface of the plastic in those places that are in contact with the gums. In addition to creating a good hold, thanks to its composition, the cream takes care of the gums. At the end of the day, when the denture is removed, the remaining adhesive is cleaned from its surface.

The choice of adhesive for the prosthesis is very important. Its quality, consistency and taste will determine how comfortable the patient is in using dentures. Your doctor will help you make the choice of adhesive easier. But if for some reason you need to make a choice yourself, then you should pay attention to the following features of the product:

A good or paste should have at least twelve hours of effect. Lower values will require several application procedures per day.
The paste should have a medium consistency. A substance that is too liquid will spread and become noticeable when you smile. Viscous and thick consistency - difficult to apply and difficult to remove. Thick pastes have higher consumption.
You should not purchase adhesive in places other than a pharmacy. Their composition can cause irritation to the mucous membranes and gums.

The most popular on the market, which have proven themselves well, are such pastes as “”, “”, “President” and “Lakalut”.

Reasons for darkening of plastic structures

The plastic product is carefully polished, but its surface still remains rough. This makes it possible for various deposits, food debris, bacterial cells, etc. to linger on the surface. Plaque begins to form. Over time, dentures darken and lose their original color and appearance.

This problem is especially noticeable in those patients whose structures were installed without removing their natural teeth. Natural teeth are less susceptible to darkening of the enamel, and the prosthesis begins to stand out against their background. To maximize the aesthetic appearance of plastic dentures, careful care is required.

How to whiten plastic dentures?

After installing the prosthesis, the doctor will definitely give recommendations on how to care for it. They often consist of normal hygiene procedures. But such methods will only slow down the darkening process. To whiten the structure more thoroughly, there are other ways.

Whitening with improvised means

The structures can be easily cleaned using abrasives. These products can be tooth powders or regular soda. They will help remove plaque accumulated on the prosthesis, which gives it a dark tone.

Abrasives are quite effective, but their use is not recommended to be repeated frequently. Baking soda and tooth powder can leave micro scratches, which will contribute to even greater plaque accumulation.

Whitening products from the pharmacy

There are many drugs in pharmacies that are specially designed for whitening dentures made of plastic. Often they can be found in the form, which are dissolved in a certain amount of water and, having lowered the structure there, leave it overnight. The most popular manufacturing companies are: Dentipur, Dental White from the manufacturer Corega, ROCS and President.

Denture whitening in dental conditions

If the above options did not help give the system its original appearance, you can use a professional cleaner. Many dental clinics provide this service. Specialists carefully clean and polish the plastic surface. In addition to the fact that the structure will acquire its original appearance, it will also be less susceptible to contamination in the future.

This type of cleaning can be done several times a year. And most often, it allows you to avoid cleaning the system yourself using improvised means.

Should plastic dentures be left in the mouth overnight?

The first thing you need to do after making dentures is to learn how to carefully put them on and take them off so as not to injure the mucous membranes and gums. The adaptation period will pass faster if you resort to rinsing and hot mouth baths several times a day without removing the system. There is no need to soak the structures in hot water.

The opinion that plastic dentures must be removed at night is erroneous. Although it is better to keep plastic dentures in a humid environment for the first months. This is due to the characteristics of the material used. Fresh plastic has the property of releasing monomer. If during this process air enters the structure, whitish stains will begin to form and the prosthesis will take on a marbled appearance. But this does not mean that it needs to be taken out of your mouth at night. The moist environment of the oral cavity is well suited to avoid this process.

It was also noted that the adaptation period passes faster if the structure remains in the mouth overnight. During this time, the movement of the dental system practically stops. This allows soft tissues to quickly adapt to a foreign body.

Sources used:

Bazhanov, N. N. Dentistry. - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2002.
Eshleman J.R., Moon P.O., Douglass H.B., Stall M. Retentive strength of acid etched fixed prostheses
“Orthopedic dentistry. Textbook" (Trezubov V.N.)

Which brands of toothpastes have you used?

According to the production method, plastic dental prostheses are divided into two types:

pressed - compression technology is considered the simplest, and therefore such plastic dental prostheses have the most affordable price;
casting - this technique is good because it makes it possible to individualize the design as much as possible: to work out the microrelief of the base of the prosthesis in exact accordance with the cast, to ensure an ideal fit and, accordingly, comfort for the patient.

By purpose they are distinguished:

Plastic crowns

Plastic dental crowns are the fastest and most cost-effective prosthetic option. It doesn’t take much time to make such a design; you can get ready-made false teeth in just one visit to the dentist’s office. But plastic crowns do not have the strength and durability of metal or metal-ceramic prostheses. Therefore, they are most often used as temporary devices during the production of permanent artificial teeth.

Typically, plastic crowns are used as a temporary solution.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other dental material, plastic has its pros and cons.

Advantages:

Short production times without the need to use complex expensive equipment.
Excellent aesthetic indicators.
Accessibility for all patients.
The lightness of the material allows it to be used in cases where there is a need to limit the pressure of the prosthesis on the jaw tissue.

Flaws:

Short service life, which is only about two years.
High risk of cracks and chips on the crown.
Cannot be used by people who are allergic to artificial polymers.
Low hygienic qualities of plastic due to the presence of a porous structure in which microorganisms and food microparticles can accumulate.
Rapid deterioration in aesthetics due to the high ability of crowns to absorb food coloring.
The need to prepare a thick layer of dense dental tissue, which is due to the fairly large thickness of the crown.

Indications and contraindications

Can be used:

if temporary prosthetics are necessary for the period of production of a permanent prosthesis;
as a permanent prosthesis for restoring dental functions in case of injuries, congenital anomalies, caries;
to restore an attractive appearance in case of changes in the color or shape of teeth in the smile area.

Contraindicated:

for prosthetics in childhood;
if you have any allergic reactions to plastic;

Manufacturing stages

Plastic crowns are made directly in the dentist's office.

After the patient’s oral cavity has been prepared for prosthetics and the teeth have been prepared, the doctor takes impressions of the patient’s dentition using special aligners filled with a quick-hardening compound.
Based on the impressions, a plaster model of the patient’s teeth is cast.
A crown is formed on a model made from a self-hardening plastic mass, which was previously selected in accordance with the natural shade of the patient’s enamel. After the plastic hardens, the structure is ground and polished.
After trying on the temporary crown, the doctor eliminates all minor deficiencies identified and secures it to the tooth stump using temporary composite materials.

Features of use

Since plastic does not have sufficient strength, it cannot be used where the maximum load is placed on the teeth, namely for prosthetics of the chewing group. But if necessary, plastic crowns can be installed on the front teeth without any risk. In addition, excellent aesthetic qualities make this type of temporary prosthetics in the smile area optimal in terms of price and quality.

Dental crowns made of metal-plastic and their characteristics

Metal-plastic structures are metal crowns with a plastic shell. This combination of materials increases the strength of the prosthesis while maintaining its lightness and high aesthetics.

The low weight of such crowns allows them to be used in cases where it is necessary to close a defect in the dentition during the manufacture of a permanent prosthesis without putting much pressure on the jaw tissue.

Metal-plastic crowns are most widely used as a temporary option for prosthetics on implants. They are quickly manufactured, have a good appearance, are securely attached to the implant and do not exert much pressure on it.

Another option for metal-plastic structures is the Richmond pin crown, which is used for prosthetics in case of loss of dense dental tissue while maintaining a healthy root. The essence of the method is that a metal ring is fixed around the root neck, onto which a plate with a hole for a pin is soldered. The pin itself serves not only to secure the outer part of the crown, but also prevents the penetration of saliva and food debris into the root canal and strengthens the root itself. Only high-quality plastic is used to make the crown (for example, Yamahachi from Japan).

Life time

The service life of plastic crowns is not long and is only about two years. Even if after this period the structure remains intact, most often it loses its appearance - the porous structure quickly absorbs dyes and cannot be bleached.

Metal-plastic crowns can last a little longer - up to three years, and with careful care, their maximum service life can increase to 5 years.

Plastic or porcelain crowns

Like plastic crowns, porcelain crowns have advantages and disadvantages. The choice in favor of one or another material must be made individually for each patient. Porcelain crowns are more durable and strong, but at the same time they have a negative impact on the condition of the opposing teeth and are quite expensive.

Plastic crowns are cheap, easy to manufacture and do not cause pathological abrasion of the enamel of opposing teeth. But their service life is much shorter, and the risk of damage or chipping is greater. In terms of aesthetics, plastic crowns are not inferior to porcelain ones.

Dental plastic dentures

Acrylic plastic is used for production. Such designs are used for prosthetics both for individual missing teeth and for the entire dentition. Such dentures look very natural, since a color is selected for the base and the teeth themselves that best matches natural tissues.

In the photo: plastic denture

In the case of complete absence of teeth, plastic dentures rest only on the gum tissue, being fixed in the oral cavity by means of a “closing valve” - a discharged space created between the denture and the mucous membrane. When prosthetics are applied to several teeth at the same time, the prosthesis is fixed using metal wires - clasps. If there is a need to restore just one tooth, then the best option is butterfly dentures, which are attached to the gums with special plastic extensions.

Types of prostheses

Depending on the manufacturing method, acrylic plastic prostheses can be:

Pressed- are simpler to manufacture, but do not have high accuracy and comfort.
Molded- more comfortable for patients, since they are manufactured using more precise methods and are indistinguishable from natural teeth even at close range.

Depending on the possibility of self-removal of the structure:

Removable— the patient can independently remove the prosthesis from the oral cavity for hygienic procedures.
Fixed- dentures that are securely fixed in the mouth and do not need to be removed for cleaning.

Advantages and disadvantages

Acrylic dentures have gained wide popularity among patients due to their many advantages:

Low cost compared to structures made from other materials.
The low weight of the prosthesis allows the patient to get used to it in a short time.
High strength. For removable acrylic structures, the service life can reach 8 years.
Plastic dentures do not put pressure on the supporting teeth, which allows for maximum preservation of the health of natural tooth enamel.
The high plasticity of the material allows the production of structures of any shape and complexity with the selection of shades that match natural fabrics.
Acrylic dentures are easy to care for. The patient can independently remove and reinsert the prosthesis.

But plastic dentures are not without negative properties:

There is a possibility of soft tissue damage at the site of contact with the prosthesis.
When using metal clasps, tooth enamel may be damaged and a previously healthy tooth may be destroyed.
Frequent occurrence of allergic reactions to plastic.
Plastic for the manufacture of dentures has a porous structure that absorbs dyes, odors and becomes a place for the accumulation of microorganisms.

Indications and contraindications

Indications:

As a temporary option for prosthetics during the production of permanent dentures from other materials.
As a permanent prosthesis for the loss of one, several or all teeth.

Contraindicated:

If the patient has previously had allergic reactions to synthetic polymers.
In the presence of acute inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity at the site of intended contact with the prosthesis.
In case of insufficient care of the teeth remaining in the oral cavity.
If the patient suffers from mental illness or epilepsy.

Life time

On average, the service life of a prosthesis made of acrylic plastic is 3-4 years. But if the processes of bone tissue atrophy under the structure proceed extremely slowly, then it can be increased to 5-8 years. If the atrophy of the alveolar processes is pronounced, then you can wear a plastic structure for no more than 2 years.

How to clean

In order for a plastic prosthesis to last as long as possible, it requires constant care. In the morning and evening, it must be cleaned of plaque and accumulations of food debris using a soft toothbrush.

If the denture is removable, it is recommended to treat it once every time with a special disinfectant solution, which additionally removes dirt and prevents the proliferation of microorganisms. If the structure cannot be removed from the oral cavity, then it is necessary to thoroughly clean the interdental spaces and the places where the denture comes into contact with natural tissues using a toothbrush, floss and brushes.

Once a year, you need to visit the dentist's office to reline the denture or make minor repairs. The relining procedure involves a slight change in the shape of the prosthesis on its inside, which changes the distribution of the load on the soft tissues and prevents their damage and premature atrophy.

When choosing prosthetics with plastic crowns and dentures, you must carefully weigh all their pros and cons. It would be a good idea to listen to the opinion of an experienced dentist who can give the right advice to solve the problem of prosthetics.

Plastic dentures can replace either one tooth or the entire jaw when edentulous. These are lightweight, aesthetic designs that are affordable for everyone. Products have their own advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account before making the final choice. You will learn about everything in detail from the article.

Plastic dentures

In most cases, plastic is used for the manufacture of removable dental structures, which are intended to replace both the entire dentition and partial defects:

(complete absence of teeth) the product rests on the gums, being fixed due to the vacuum effect. This type of design is also called suction cup dentures.
In case of partial loss of teeth, removable plastic dentures have special hard clasps that cover the supporting teeth and thus hold the product in the oral cavity.
If one tooth is missing in the oral cavity and the patient does not want to undergo another restoration method, a butterfly can be used. But most often this design is used as a temporary one while a permanent one is being made.

Plastic structures are used in the following cases:

For temporary replacement of missing teeth.
For various dental deformations.
For splinting mobile teeth with periodontal diseases.

Plastic structures are contraindicated for use in case of allergic reactions to acrylic (read more about acrylic dentures) plastics, various malocclusions, short crowns of the teeth, as well as increased tooth abrasion.

Types of plastic products

Plastic dentures can be made in different methods:

Compression pressing makes it possible to produce a structure quite quickly, but the quality leaves much to be desired.
Molded ones, unlike the previous ones, have a more precise fit to the jaw. Such structures can be either removable or non-removable.

In addition, plastic structures can be completely removable and partially removable. Removable products are used in cases of complete absence of teeth and are fixed due to the suction effect. Most often they are made from acrylic plastics.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of plastic products is their availability, excellent aesthetic qualities, as well as the possibility of using them as a temporary structure.

But this type of dentures has some flaws:

wears out quite quickly - within a year it loses its original appearance,
allergies to plastic dentures often occur,
irritation of the mucous membrane,
Plaque and food debris accumulate under the artificial crown over time.

Rules of care

Proper care of the product will extend its service life.

It is very important to properly organize plastic dentures in order to avoid the accumulation of dangerous plaque on the material, which can cause the development of various dental diseases. To ensure that the product serves you as long as possible and at the highest quality, do the following: recommendations:

Train yourself to clean the structure every morning and evening with a special brush and paste.
Try to remove the denture from your mouth every time after eating and rinse it under running water. This is necessary in order to free the product from food residues. If it is not possible to remove the denture, simply rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean water.
To make it go faster, it is recommended not to remove the prosthesis at night.
Eliminate viscous, sticky and hard products from the menu to avoid damaging the material.
Plastic structures must be stored dry.
How to clean plastic dentures? For quality care, it is necessary to use special effervescent tablets and non-abrasive pastes.

Expert opinion. Dentist-orthodontist Kovalev O.O.: “On average, plastic structures are designed to last two years. But their service life can be increased if you strictly follow the recommendations of a specialist and also organize careful care. Please note that if the material is even slightly damaged, you must take it to a specialist as quickly as possible.”

Plastic products are subject to repair if:

clasps do not perform their function well, they have lost their elasticity,
artificial teeth became cramped and lost their original shape,
the material of the product has changed its original color.

Price

How much does a plastic denture cost? The price will depend on the size of the product, its type, as well as the amount of work performed by the dentist. We give you approximate prices in the table: