Comparative Study of Different Artificial Teeth Materials in Complete Dentures

Abstract

Background: Complete dentures aim to restore masticatory function, facial esthetics, and phonetics in edentulous patients. Selection of suitable artificial teeth materials is critical for long-term clinical success, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Various artificial teeth—ranging from acrylic resin to composite and porcelain—offer different advantages regarding esthetics, wear resistance, and occlusal load distribution. However, the debate persists on which material provides the most favorable clinical outcome over time.

Methods: This is a comparative clinical study of 60 edentulous patients who require conventional complete dentures. Patients were divided into three groups by random sampling: Group A-conventional acrylic resin teeth; Group B-modified composite resin teeth; Group C-porcelain teeth. Standardized denture fabrication was carried out and evaluation was done at one, three, and six months after the prosthesis and retention period. Continuous variables were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests, while categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square.

Results: Acrylic resin teeth showed maximum occlusal wear but provided excellent comfort and phonetics. Modified composite resin teeth showed an average resistance to wear with good esthetics. Porcelain teeth showed the least occlusal wear with excellent esthetics but required more occlusal adjustments due to their brittle nature. Statistically significant differences were found in the wear rates and some of the satisfaction parameters between the three groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The three materials, all of which may be used with success in complete denture rehabilitation, each possess certain advantages and disadvantages: acrylic resin offers ease of adjustment and a comfortable fit at the price of greater wear; porcelain ensures long life and the best esthetics but is more brittle; and modified composite resin teeth have a compromise between wear resistance and ease of adjustment. Clinicians must individualize material selection based on patient-specific needs and preferences.