What Kind Of Denture Base - XDENT LAB

A denture base is a fundamental component of removable prostheses. It directly contacts oral tissues, supports artificial teeth, distributes occlusal forces, and plays a critical role in comfort, function, and esthetics.

Choosing the right type of denture base material is essential for long-term clinical success.

So, what kind of denture base materials are commonly used today? Below is a comprehensive overview based on prosthodontic principles and laboratory practice.

What Is a Denture Base?

A denture base is the part of a removable denture that:

• Rests on the oral mucosa and residual ridge

• Supports and retains artificial teeth

• Restores lost soft tissue appearance

It must be biocompatible, dimensionally stable, strong enough to withstand mastication, and esthetically acceptable.

Main Types of Denture Base Materials

Denture base materials are generally classified into non-metallic and metallic types.

1. Acrylic Resin Denture Bases (Non-Metallic)

Heat-Cured Acrylic Resin (PMMA)

Heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most widely used denture base material worldwide.

Advantages:

• Natural gingival color and translucency

• Good dimensional stability

• Adequate mechanical strength

• Easy to process, adjust, and repair

• Cost-effective

• Good bonding to acrylic denture teeth

Limitations:

• Polymerization shrinkage

• Low thermal conductivity

• Susceptible to surface scratches

• Possible allergic reaction due to residual monomer

Clinical indication:

• Ideal for definitive complete and partial dentures requiring long-term durability.

Chemical-Cured Acrylic Resin (Self-Cured / Cold-Cured)

Chemical-cured acrylic resin polymerizes at room temperature using a chemical activator (tertiary amine).

Advantages:

• Fast setting time

• Simple processing

• Less polymerization shrinkage

Limitations:

• Lower mechanical strength

• Higher residual monomer content

• Poorer color stability over time

• Higher water sorption

Clinical indication:

• Commonly used for repairs, relines, provisional dentures, and custom trays.

Light-Activated Acrylic Resin

Light-cured denture base materials polymerize when exposed to visible light.

Advantages:

• Minimal residual monomer

• Reduced risk of allergic reactions

• Excellent adaptation to tissues

• Clean and controlled working process

Limitations:

• Lower flexural strength than heat-cured PMMA

• Higher material cost

Clinical indication:

• Suitable for patients with acrylic sensitivity, special trays, and selected denture bases with moderate functional demands.

2. Metal Denture Bases

Metal denture bases are fabricated using alloys such as cobalt-chromium, titanium, stainless steel, or gold alloys.

Advantages:

• Superior mechanical strength

• Excellent thermal conductivity

• Thin and rigid design

• High resistance to fracture

• Minimal microbial adhesion

Limitations:

• Limited esthetics

• Higher cost

• Difficult to adjust and repair

• Risk of galvanic corrosion with dissimilar metals

Clinical indication:

• Frequently used in removable partial dentures with metal frameworks.

Managing Acrylic Allergy in Denture Base Selection

For patients with known sensitivity to acrylic monomer, several strategies are recommended:

• Extended heat-curing cycles to reduce residual monomer

• Post-polymerization water immersion

• Use of light-activated acrylic or vinyl-based acrylic materials

These approaches significantly improve biocompatibility while maintaining clinical performance.

Key Factors When Choosing a Denture Base Material

When selecting a denture base, clinicians and laboratories should consider:

• Mechanical strength and fracture resistance

• Polymerization shrinkage and dimensional accuracy

• Biocompatibility and residual monomer content

• Esthetic requirements

• Repairability and long-term maintenance

• Cost-effectiveness

There is no single “perfect” material—the optimal denture base depends on clinical indication, patient needs, and laboratory capability.

Conclusion

Understanding what kind of denture base materials are available allows clinicians and dental laboratories to make informed decisions that improve prosthetic outcomes.

While heat-cured acrylic resin remains the gold standard, alternatives such as chemical-cured, light-activated, and metal denture bases each serve specific clinical purposes.

A well-chosen denture base enhances comfort, function, esthetics, and patient satisfaction, making it a cornerstone of successful removable prosthodontics.

References

[1] Anusavice, K. J., Shen, C., & Rawls, H. R.

Phillips’ Science of Dental Materials (12th–13th ed.)

[2] Zarb, G. A., Hobkirk, J. A., Eckert, S. E., & Jacob, R. F.

Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients (13th ed.)

[3] Craig, R. G., Powers, J. M., & Wataha, J. C.

Dental Materials: Properties and Manipulation (11th ed.)

[4] McCabe, J. F., & Walls, A. W. G.

Applied Dental Materials (9th–10th ed.)

[5] Vallittu, P. K.

Acrylic Resin Polymers and Fiber-Reinforced Composites in Prosthodontics

(Published in Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry)

[6] Phoenix, R. D., Mansueto, M. A., Ackerman, N. A., & Jones, R. E.

Evaluation of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Denture Base Materials

(Published in Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry)

[7] Darvell, B. W.

Materials Science for Dentistry (9th ed.)

[8] ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.

Denture Base Resins – Clinical Considerations

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