What Are Dentures Made Of?

Hi there! Thanks for reaching out and asking such an important question, especially since your teenagers are learning about dental health. Let’s dive in! Most dentures are mainly made from a material called acrylic resin. This is what gives dentures their natural appearance and feel, making them a good substitute for real teeth visually. Sometimes, especially in higher quality dentures, you’ll find that the teeth part is made of porcelain. Porcelain does an excellent job at mimicking the translucence of natural teeth, which means they can look incredibly realistic. However, while they might look real, they can feel quite different. Now, talking about comfort and how dentures stack up against natural teeth, it’s worth knowing that dentures are shaped to look just like real teeth, but they don’t always feel the same in your mouth. It’s not uncommon for people to take some time to get used to dentures. At first, they might feel a bit bulky or not quite natural, but with time, many people adjust well. It’s a good lesson for your teenagers in understanding how oral health aids like dentures can improve someone’s quality of life. Moving on to some of the hiccups you might face with dentures—initially, some folks might find their gums get sore or that eating becomes a bit tricky. This often happens if the dentures aren’t perfectly fitted to the mouth. That’s why it’s crucial to have a dentist make sure they fit just right, otherwise, you could end up with some irritation. If you or someone else is feeling uncomfortable with dentures, there are a couple of temporary fixes to try before you can get to the dentist. A common trick is to use denture adhesive to make them fit better for the time being. It’s also wise to steer clear of hard or sticky foods until you’re able to get them professionally adjusted. Finally, one of the best things you can do is to keep up with regular dental visits. This goes a long way in making sure dentures fit comfortably and addressing any potential problems before they get worse. Encouraging your family, especially denture users like your mother, to visit the dentist often is crucial. It helps them maintain a healthy mouth and, ultimately, contributes to better overall health.