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Plastics Used in Dentures

Dentures are a dental prosthetic made from artificial teeth that are molded into an artificial gum line. They are constructed for dental patients whose real teeth must be extracted because of decay, gum disease or other damage. Dentures are made of several types of material such as metal alloy and porcelain, but various types of acrylic resins -- plastics used for constructing dentures -- are the most commonly used.

  1. Pyroxylin

    • Pyroxylin was created in 1856 by Alexander Parkes, an English inventor. He invented pyroloxin, a synthetic made from cellulose, as a replacement for the natural material, ivory. Pyroxylin hardens into a solid material that can be molded when heated. Because it is flexible and durable, it is one of various plastics used to construct dentures. Alcolite and Agalyn are trade names for pyroxylin.

    Phenolic

    • In 1909, Leo Hendrik Baekland, a chemist, introduced phenolic, a plastic made by mixing phenol and formaldehyde, which formed a compound that softened when heated and hardened when allowed to dry. Phenolics are known for their strong texture and flexibility, both which are essential to denture comfort and durability. Trade names currently used for phenolics include C-E 950 and Aldenol.

    Nylon

    • Nylon is a plastic resin made from the combination of diamine and dibasic acid. It is strong, versatile and highly resistant to heat; these factors make it an ideal material for dentures. Because it is highly flexible, it is mostly used for partial dentures.

    Acetal

    • Acetal produces efficient short-term and long-term results depending on how it is mixed and what other materials it is compounded with. Like most other plastics used in dentures, it is extremely durable and does not easily fracture. It is ideal for full and partial dentures.

    Polycarbonate

    • Polycarbonate, a plastic formed from a biphenyl-Acarbonate polymer chain, has benefit similarities to acetal, such as durability and flexibility. This plastic also is naturally translucent and easy to polish, making it esthetically beneficial.

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