Full denture restoration is a highly systematic oral restoration treatment method. Its success not only depends on the precision of clinical operation, but is also closely related to the selection of restoration materials. With the continuous advancement of materials science, there are many types of materials used for full denture restoration on the market with different performances. Choosing suitable materials has become a key link in improving the function, beauty and comfort of the restoration. This article will systematically explore how to scientifically select full denture restoration materials from multiple aspects such as functionality, aesthetics, biocompatibility, processing performance and individual differences of patients , in order to provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for clinical practice.
1. Functional requirements are the primary consideration
Functionality is the core criterion for evaluating the effect of complete denture restoration. The chewing efficiency, stability and durability of dentures directly affect the patient's quality of life. Therefore, the restorative material needs to have good mechanical properties, including bending strength, fracture toughness and wear resistance .
At present, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most widely used denture base material, which has good processability and biocompatibility, but its mechanical strength is relatively low and it is prone to cracks after long-term use. Therefore, for patients with greater bite force, consideration should be given to adding glass fiber or metal mesh to reinforce the PMMA base, or using new polymer materials such as thermosetting resins and polyimide composites to improve fatigue resistance.
2. Aesthetics meets the individual needs of patients
Modern patients have higher aesthetic requirements for complete dentures, and the color, transparency and color stability of the material after wear have become factors that cannot be ignored.
Nano-composite resins and multi-layer porcelain materials excel in terms of color gradation and simulation, and can simulate the opalescent effect of natural teeth. They are suitable for patients who pursue high aesthetic effects. For those with more exposed lips, it is recommended to choose tooth materials with gradient color layers and good surface polishability to enhance the overall facial coordination. At the same time, the color of the denture base should be close to the color of the patient's mucosa. Pink, rose red or transparent base materials can be selected according to skin color and oral environment.
3. Biocompatibility is directly related to long-term safety
Restorative materials need to be in contact with oral tissues for a long time. If the materials release harmful substances or irritate oral tissues, it will cause oral mucosal inflammation, allergic reactions, and even systemic allergies . Biocompatibility should be the basic premise for material selection .
Although PMMA is a traditional material, its monomer residual rate still needs to be strictly controlled. In order to reduce adverse reactions, pre-polymerized PMMA sheets can be used or high temperature and high pressure curing technology can be used to reduce the residual monomer content. For individual patients who are allergic to acrylic materials, non-metallic materials such as polyimide and PEEK (polyetheretherketone) can be used as substitutes. The latter has excellent biological inertness and mechanical properties and is a representative of emerging biomaterials in recent years.
4. Processing performance affects the accuracy and efficiency of restorations
The production of full dentures involves many steps, including wax model carving, denture arrangement, curing and molding. The processing properties of the restorative material, such as thermal expansion coefficient, engraving ability, and molding shrinkage rate, will directly affect the marginal fit and overall accuracy of the denture .
Traditional PMMA materials are easy to process and moderately priced, making them suitable for general restoration needs. However, in today’s pursuit of high precision and personalized customization, the rise of CAD/CAM digital denture processing technology has made CNC-engravable materials (such as prefabricated PMMA and PEEK blocks) increasingly popular. They have higher dimensional stability and smaller processing errors, which helps reduce the number of adjustments and improves the fit of dentures.
5. Individual differences among patients need to be different for each individual
Different patients have different ages, oral conditions, economic status and expectations for restorations, and material selection should also reflect the concept of individualization .
Elderly patients : Oral tissue atrophy is significant and mucosal tolerance is poor. It is recommended to use lightweight materials, such as glass fiber reinforced PMMA, to reduce the burden on dentures.
Those with severe wear : have strong bite force and are suitable for using highly wear-resistant composite ceramic or glass ceramic teeth.
Those with limited financial resources can give priority to traditional PMMA, taking into account cost-effectiveness, but regular maintenance of dentures should be strengthened.
For those with high aesthetic requirements : All-ceramic dentures or colored composite teeth are recommended to meet the needs of natural appearance.
6. Integration trend of new materials and digital technology
With the development of digital dentistry, the combination of new materials and digital manufacturing technology provides more possibilities for complete dentures. For example:
3D printing resin : It has the advantages of rapid prototyping, high precision, and controllable structure, and is suitable for making temporary dentures or digital trial dentures.
PEEK high-performance material : lightweight, high strength, good biological inertness, can be precisely processed by CAD/CAM, suitable for high-end personalized needs.
Bionic materials : such as composite materials containing nano-hydroxyapatite, which can improve the interfacial adhesion with soft and hard tissues and extend the service life of dentures.
As research continues to deepen, full denture restorations in the future will pay more attention to the versatility and personalized performance of materials to improve patients' overall satisfaction.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Selecting suitable complete denture restoration materials is a comprehensive task. It should be based on functionality, aesthetics, biocompatibility, processing adaptability and individual characteristics of the patient, and comprehensive evaluation and scientific decision-making should be carried out. Clinicians should fully communicate with patients, clarify their needs and expectations, and combine the performance of existing materials with technological development trends to tailor the best restoration plan. Only in this way can the dual goals of functional restoration and aesthetic improvement be truly achieved and the quality of life of patients be improved.