Answers
What are dentures made of?
Dentures are usually made from a mix of strong plastics, and sometimes metal, depending on the type. The exact materials can vary, so a licensed denture or dental provider can explain what they use and why.
Short answer
Most dentures have two main parts, the gum-colored base and the teeth.
The base is often made from acrylic resin, a hard plastic shaped to sit over your gums. The teeth are often made from acrylic resin too, or sometimes porcelain, a hard ceramic material.
A full denture, which replaces all teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, is often made mostly from acrylic materials. A partial denture, which replaces some missing teeth and connects around natural teeth, may be made from acrylic, metal, or a flexible plastic material.
Some dentures also use special materials for comfort or support. A soft liner is a softer layer placed inside a denture to cushion the gums. An overdenture, also called an implant-supported denture, is a denture that connects to dental implants for added hold. An immediate denture is a denture placed soon after teeth are removed, so the mouth can change as it heals. A reline is when the inside surface of a denture is adjusted to fit the gums better. A rebase is when the base is remade while keeping the denture teeth.
What it means for you
Different materials can affect weight, appearance, feel, and cost. Some people want a lighter denture. Others care most about looks, strength, or how easy it may be to adjust later.
Metal is more common in some partial dentures because it can be thin and strong. Acrylic is common because it is widely used and can be shaped for many denture types. Flexible materials may feel different from hard materials, but not every option is right for every mouth.
Cost can also change with materials and design. Dentures may range from about $600 to $3,000 or more, depending on the type, materials, provider, and area. These are not quotes.
If you are comparing options, it may help to ask simple questions like:
- What material is the base made from?
- What are the teeth made from?
- Is this a full denture or a partial denture?
- If the fit changes later, can it be relined or rebased?
- What costs are included, and what might cost extra?
A licensed provider can look at your mouth, explain the choices in plain language, and tell you what they offer. SmileAgain Match does not provide treatment or tell you which denture you need.
How free matching helps
If you are not sure where to start, SmileAgain Match can help you find denture and dental providers near you. Matching is free to you.
You share basic contact details and a short note about what you are looking for. Then we try to connect you with a provider in your area who may offer the kind of service you want, such as full dentures, partial dentures, repairs, relines, or consultations.
This can be helpful if you are an older adult, helping a parent, comparing affordable options, or more comfortable reading in a language other than English. SmileAgain Match gives educational information and free matching only. A licensed provider will answer questions about materials, fit, timing, and costs.
Related
You may also want to read How much do dentures cost? or What is the difference between full and partial dentures?.
An honest note
SmileAgain Match is a free matching service, not a dentist or dental clinic. We share general, plain-language information so you can decide what fits. For anything specific to your mouth or health, talk to a licensed denture or dental provider, and confirm the type, the fit, and the full price in writing before any work starts.
Dentures are usually made from plastic materials, and sometimes metal, and a licensed provider can explain which type they use.
Common questions
Are dentures made of plastic?
Often, yes. Many dentures use acrylic resin, which is a hard plastic. Some also include metal or other materials.
Are denture teeth always porcelain?
No. Denture teeth may be made from acrylic resin or porcelain, depending on the denture and the provider.
Do all partial dentures have metal?
No. Some partial dentures use metal, while others use acrylic or flexible materials.
Can SmileAgain Match tell me which material is best for me?
No. SmileAgain Match gives educational information and free matching only. A licensed denture or dental provider can explain which materials they offer.
Want help finding a denture provider near you?
Get matched, free, with denture and dental providers near you. You compare them and choose who to see, and you confirm the type, the fit, and the price before any work starts.