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Dental Nation
Material guide

Acrylic (PMMA)

By the Dental Nation clinical team — a licensed dental group practising in the UAE

Acrylic is used for removable partial dentures that replace missing teeth, though metal dentures are thinner and stronger.

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The short answer

Acrylic is the plastic material used in removable partial dentures to replace one or more missing teeth.

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Acrylic (PMMA) dental educational illustration

What is acrylic used for in dentistry?

Parts of an acrylic partial denture
PartPurpose
Acrylic plateSupports the removable false teeth.[1][2]
Pink plastic flangeReplaces missing gum and bone after tooth removal.[1][2]

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How does acrylic compare with metal?

Acrylic dentures are made purely from plastic. Metal-based dentures use cobalt-chromium alloy under gum-coloured plastic and are thinner and stronger than acrylic dentures.

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Where does an acrylic partial denture sit?

A partial denture fits snugly over the gum to replace missing teeth. Metal clips can help hold either plastic or metal dentures in place and may show when a person smiles or opens their mouth.

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What is the alternative to acrylic?

Metal removable partial dentures are often regarded as long-term treatment options, while acrylic resin removable partial dentures are often considered interim treatment.

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Acrylic and metal partial dentures
TypeCited distinction
Acrylic resinOften considered an interim treatment.[1][2]
MetalOften considered a long-term treatment option and is thinner and stronger.[1][2]

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What should you expect from a new partial denture?

New dentures often cause sore spots. Mild soreness may be tolerated while severe soreness means the denture should be left out until the review, after wearing it for two or three days beforehand to show the pressure areas.

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How are sore spots managed?

A review is normally booked one to two weeks after fitting. Pressure-related problems can often be corrected then or at later appointments, and a denture should not be adjusted or repaired at home.

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Frequently asked questions

Will a new acrylic partial denture make my mouth sore?

New dentures often cause sore spots. A fitting review is normally booked one to two weeks later so pressure areas can be corrected.

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Can I repair an acrylic partial denture myself?

No. The denture should not be adjusted or repaired at home.

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Keep reading

symptomTooth PaincompareInvisible options head-to-headconditionAbfraction LesionstreatmentComposite Veneers

Who wrote this page

This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.

This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.

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