Denture Materials and Characterization: Which Look The Most Natural?

Dentures have come a long way since the first dentures were carved by hand out of wood. Today, they are made of sturdier and more durable materials. Acrylic is by far the most universal material used but with 3D printing being the new kid on the block, the materials available is exploding. If you are thinking of visiting a dentist to get dentures, you should first learn about what materials are available, each materials pros and cons and how you can get the most natural looking denture you can.

Before we go over the types of materials available, let’s quickly go over the types of dentures as some materials only work for certain types of dentures.

Types of Dentures

There are four denture types but we will go over the two main types of dentures – partial and complete dentures. People use complete dentures when all of their teeth are missing. Partial dentures are used when only some of the teeth are missing.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures can be further divided into immediate and final dentures. 

Immediate dentures have been made before extraction, from impressions when you still have teeth, and will be seated after extraction. This type of denture may require more adjustments as the patient’s gums heal, bone loss occurs and inflammation goes down. Immediate dentures generally are considered a short term solution and sometimes are are referred to as temporary dentures.

Conventional dentures are made after from impressions after the gums have had time to heal. Conventional dentures are a long term solution to not having teeth. The impressions that are used take into account the patient’s healed gums and bone loss so the fit will be much better and longer term then immediate dentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable dental prostheses that replace multiple missing teeth. They are typically made from a combination of metal and/or acrylic materials. Partial dentures are custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth and work by attaching to the remaining natural teeth, using clasps to stay in place. They improve the appearance of a person’s smile and restore their ability to chew and speak clearly.

What Makes Natural Looking Dentures?

There are a few factors that contribute to the dentures’ natural appearance, including: 

Materials

The material used to make the dentures significantly impacts how natural they look. Modern dentures are typically made of acrylic resin. It is designed to mimic the look & feel of natural teeth and gums.
Below is an acrylic partial and a metal partial denture.

Color


The dentures’ color is also significant. Natural teeth are not a uniform shade of white. Thus, dentures that are too white can look fake. The color of the denture’s gums and teeth should reflect what the patient feels is a natural looking smile.

Some of the colors available when choosing dentures
Teeth: A0 or Bleach, B1, A1, A2 and so on.
Gums: Classic Pink, Dark Pink, Mahogany, etc.

Shape


The dentures’ shape should imitate the shape of natural teeth. Since teeth come in many different shapes, the patient should choose the shape that they feel makes their smile look the most natural.

This can be rounded, sharp, wide, tall or any combination of those. You will want to look at the bottom of each tooth as that is where the most characterization is. It is only the front 6 teeth which get a style choice as the molars are not visible when smiling.

Fit

The fit of a denture is perhaps the most essential aspect of their natural appearance. Ill-fitting dentures can look fake and cause discomfort or pain. Dentures that fit well should be snug but not too tight. They should stay in place when you talk or eat. Using relines and adhesives can help an ill-fitting denture to fit better, but these are generally short term solutions.

Which Dentures Types Are the Most Natural-Looking?

Which dentures are the most natural-looking? The answer depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. Below are some of your options: 

  • Implant-supported dentures: These dentures are the most stable type of dentures. They are anchored to dental implants that are surgically positioned in the jawbone. They fit snugly and don’t move like traditional dentures. Implant-supported dentures look more natural than other types of dentures.

  • Flexible dentures: These are made of a soft material designed to be comfortable and natural-looking. They are also more durable than traditional acrylic dentures. They are a good option for people with sensitive gums.

  • Porcelain dentures: This is another choice that offers a natural-looking appearance. Porcelain dentures will not discolor like other dentures. They are more expensive, though. 

  • Custom-made dentures: These dentures are customized for a person’s mouth. They are designed to look like natural teeth. They are created using top-notch materials. These dentures are personalized to fit the person’s mouth. Custom-made dentures are more expensive than other dentures.

  • CAD/CAM: These dentures come from computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology. They are custom-made to fit a person’s mouth. They provide a natural-looking appearance. CAD/CAM dentures can be created quickly.

Choosing the Right Dentures for You

Selecting the right dentures can be overwhelming. Below are several factors to contemplate:

  • Type of dentures: There are several types of dentures – partial dentures, immediate dentures, implant-supported dentures, and complete dentures. Each denture has its pros and cons. Thus, it’s essential to discuss options with dental professionals like DentKits.

  • Fit and comfort: Dentures should fit well and be comfortable to wear. Ill-fitting dentures cause discomfort, difficulty in speaking, and sometimes pain. Your dentist can ensure that your dentures fit properly and adjust as needed.

  • Appearance: The dentures should look natural. They complement the wearer’s facial features.

  • Maintenance: Dentures require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure their longevity. Your dentist can guide how to care for your dentures properly.

Summing Up

Several types of dentures provide a natural-looking appearance. The most natural-looking denture depends on a person’s specific needs. Please contact DentKits if you have any further concerns about dentures.