When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dentures remain a reliable and accessible option for many patients. However, finding the right denture solution is not just about replacing missing teeth; it is about restoring function, confidence, and quality of life.
Yet, not all dentures are created equal. Depending on your patients’ clinical needs, lifestyle, budget, and choice of denture material, the impact on comfort, function, and aesthetics can be significant.
At Andent Dental Laboratory, we offer a comprehensive range of custom-made, high-quality, and locally crafted dentures, including acrylic, flexible, and chrome-cast metal framework dentures. Our experienced team works closely with dental professionals to ensure every case is tailored for optimal fit, strength, and aesthetic outcome.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of three common denture types: acrylic, flexible, and metal frameworks, to help you choose the right dentures for your patients.
ACRYLIC DENTURES
What are they?
Acrylic dentures are one of the most commonly used types. They are made from a hard, gum-coloured acrylic base that supports the prosthetic teeth. These dentures can be used for both partial and full arch cases.
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Ideal for budget-conscious patients. Quick to manufacture and adjust. Suitable for immediate or post extraction dentures.
- Quick to manufacture and adjust: Great for immediate dentures or as a temporary solution post-extractions.
- Easily repairable: Chips and cracks can usually be fixed with minimal downtime.
Cons:
- Bulkier: To ensure durability, acrylic dentures often require a thicker design, which can make them feel bulky or less comfortable, especially in the upper arch.
- Less durable over time: Acrylic is more prone to wear and breakage than metal frameworks, especially under high occlusal loads.
Best suited: For full dentures, immediate dentures, and short-term solutions.
At Andent, our acrylic dentures are crafted using high-quality materials to ensure dependable strength and a natural appearance. We offer options for both temporary and long-term wear and provide in-house repairs and relines for ongoing patient support.
FLEXIBLE DENTURES
What are they?
Flexible dentures are made from nylon-based materials, offering a more pliable and comfortable alternative to rigid acrylic. These are typically used for partial dentures.
Pros:
- Highly aesthetic: With no visible metal clasps, flexible dentures blend well with the natural gum and tooth colour.
- Comfortable fit: Their flexible nature allows them to adapt to the contours of the mouth more comfortably.
- No metal: Ideal for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies.
Cons:
- Difficult to adjust or repair: Once fabricated, flexible dentures are not as easily adjusted or repaired as acrylic or metal alternatives.
- Not suitable for extensive tooth loss: They lack the structural strength needed for large-span cases or full dentures.
- Retentive but technique-sensitive: Retention depends heavily on proper design and case selection.
- Hygiene: Flexible dentures may stain and develop odour over time.
Best suited: For patients needing small to medium partial dentures with an emphasis on comfort and aesthetics.
Our flexible partial dentures at Andent are an excellent choice for patients seeking a lightweight, discreet option, designed for superior comfort and aesthetics. These are manufactured locally with precise processing to ensure a snug, tissue-friendly fit.
METAL FRAMEWORK DENTURES (CAST PARTIAL DENTURES)
What are they?
Cast metal framework dentures are partial dentures customised from various alloys, with cobalt-chrome metal bases being the most popular option. Titanium frameworks are light, flexible, and non-allergenic, but require more bulk for strength and don’t polish as well as chrome. The teeth and gums are still made from acrylic, but the framework provides strength and precision fit.
Pros:
- Strong and long-lasting: These dentures offer superior durability, making them ideal for long-term use.
- Thinner and more comfortable: Despite their strength, the metal base allows for a thinner design, improving patient comfort.
- Excellent fit and stability: Metal clasps and precise fit contribute to better retention and less movement.
Cons:
- Higher cost: These are typically more expensive than acrylic or flexible options due to the materials and fabrication process.
- Visible clasps: Depending on design, metal clasps may be visible when smiling.
- Longer production time: Because they are custom-made with precision, they take longer to fabricate.
Best suited: For long-term partial dentures for patients needing strength, fit, and comfort.
At Andent, our chrome cast partials are engineered for longevity and a secure fit. We work directly with clinicians to customise each case and ensure that retention, clasping, and design are optimised for the patient’s individual anatomy and functional needs.
WHICH DENTURE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PATIENT?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Clinical considerations such as the number of missing teeth, patient expectations, and oral anatomy all play a role in choosing the right material.
Here are a few helpful pointers:
- Opt for acrylic for full dentures, temporary options, or cost-sensitive patients.
- Choose flexible when comfort and aesthetics are top priorities, and only a few teeth need to be replaced.
- Recommend metal framework for durability and strength in long-term partial denture wearers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As a clinician, helping patients understand their denture options empowers them to make informed decisions. Whether the priority is cost, comfort, or longevity, choosing the right denture starts with the right material – and the right lab you can trust.
At Andent Dental Laboratory, we’re proud to support Australian dentists with a locally made denture range backed by technical expertise and personalised service. From acrylic and flexible options to cast metal partials, every denture is proudly Australian Made to ensure quality you can count on, and efficient in-lab turnaround times you can rely on.
Need help planning your next denture case? Our experienced lab technicians are here to assist with case design and material selection. Call us on (03) 9650 6766 or visit andent.com to learn more.
