In this article we’re going to look at how are dentures made.
Dentures are one of the most common options for replacing those missing teeth. They tend to be a less expensive and less invasive way to go than another popular option, dental implants.
This is because dentures require zero to minimal surgical procedures. Because there is no surgery necessary, that helps keep the costs much less than a dental implantation.
If you are thinking about getting dentures, you may be curious about how they are made. How do dentists get them to fit almost perfectly in your jaw and look like your real teeth? To get a brief, plain English overview of the process, keep reading!
How Are Dentures Made?
Before the process begins, there are two choices for dentures: complete or incomplete.
Complete dentures fit comfortably over your entire upper or lower jaw. Incomplete dentures replace one or a few teeth, rather than the whole portion of the jaw.
To better understand how dentures are made, let’s first examine the materials used to make them.
What Materials are Dentures Made of?
The materials used to make dentures usually include a combination of plastic and acrylic resin. However some cases require alternate materials.
You can choose between models made of porcelain rather than acrylic. Which should you choose?
Dentures made out of porcelain are less durable than their acrylic counterparts. They fit more securely to the denture base and are easier to adjust. Additionally, porcelain dentures last longer than acrylic, which need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years. In terms of price, porcelain are the less expensive option.
The Process of Making Dentures
Step 1: First, your dentist molds your mouth and jaw. This creates a model for the dentures. Your dentist will accomplish this with either wax or plastic.
Step 2: Next, your dentist sends the model to a dental technician. From there, the technician places your model in an articulator. This is a mechanical device that represents the jaw. Then the teeth are attached with wax.
Step 3: The dental technician carves the wax in a way that closely matches the shape of your gums.
Step 4: The dental technician places the dentures in a flask. The flask holds the device in place while more plaster is poured over. This is done in order to maintain the shape of the dentures.
Step 5: Next, the technician submerges the flask in hot water in order to melt the wax off.
Step 6: The technician adds a liquid separator onto the plaster layer. This ensures that the acrylic does not stick to it. Then, the acrylic is injected into the flask to replace the wax.
Step 7: The dental technician removes the plaster. To do this, they use special lab tools and techniques such as bathing the dentures in an ultrasonic bath.
Step 8: The technician cleans and trims the final product to remove any excess acrylic and clean it.
Step 9: Finally, the dentures are ready to be fitted in your mouth.
In effect, the denture making process can be complex. And it may require even more steps if you need a complete pair. But the end results are durable, realistic looking fake teeth that can help restore a full, beautiful smile.