Denture bases are made up of PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) resin also known acrylic resin. Conventional resins have been modified by rubber reinforcement to improve their mechanical properties. However, high cost of rubber reinforced acrylics restricts their routine use.

Denture teeth can be made up of variety of materials-Acrylic resin, modified acrylic resins, porcelain and composite resins. They are available in variety of shades. Acrylic resin teeth are commonly used because they are less liable to fracture or chipping on impact. Unfortunately, their abrasion resistance is inferior, so they wear off with time leading to changes in vertical dimension of denture especially in long term denture wearers.

Porcelain is also popular for fabrication of denture teeth. It has superior esthetic qualities, excellent colour stability and high abrasion resistance. But it causes significant wear of opposing enamel and metallic occlusal surfaces. The teeth are brittle and easily fracture on impact. They also produce clicking sounds on contact with each other.

Denture Adhesives

They are the materials which can be used to improve stability of denture for a new or inexperienced patient, for patients with Xerostomia, poor muscle tone (such as patients suffering from parkinsonism and dysarthria) , and to provide sense of security for specific patients such as actors, teachers.

How to Use Denture Adhesives?

They are available in powder or cream form.

Powder Form – Denture is moistened, even coating of adhesive is sprinkled on the tissue surface of denture, excess material is wiped off and denture is inserted into mouth.

Cream Form - Thin drops of adhesive are placed on the tissue surface of dry denture at about 5mm intervals prior to denture insertion. The patients should clean the residual adhesive on the surface of denture everyday.

Ideal time of wearing denture: - There is nothing as an ideal time for getting a denture. It all depends on the patient’s willingness and motivational awareness to get one as soon as the need arises due to the loss of tooth/teeth to prevent any unwanted bony and tissue or dental changes which are certain to occur after the tooth loss.