Porcelain vs Ceramic Denture Teeth: What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
What Are Denture Teeth?
Denture teeth help you eat and talk. They go in your mouth when your real teeth are gone. You can take them out to clean them.
There are two main kinds:
- Porcelain teeth
- Ceramic teeth (often made of acrylic resin)
Let’s see which one is best for you!
What Do These Words Mean?
Porcelain Teeth
Porcelain teeth are:
- Made from clay that gets very hot
- Hard like real teeth
- Shiny to look at
- Can break if you drop them
Ceramic (Acrylic) Teeth
When we say ceramic teeth, we often mean:
- Acrylic resin teeth
- Not as hard as porcelain
- Bend a bit when you bite
- Less likely to break
This can be confusing! Some people mix up these words. Just know that most “ceramic” dentures are really made of acrylic.
How Do They Look?
Porcelain Teeth Look
- Very much like real teeth
- Shine in the light
- Do not change color over time
- Can look too shiny if not made just right
Ceramic (Acrylic) Teeth Look
- Good, but not as real as porcelain
- Can match your gums better
- May look flat in some light
- Newer ones look better than old ones
How Long Do They Last?
| Type | How Long They Last | Why They Break |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | 7-15 years | Can chip or crack |
| Ceramic (Acrylic) | 5-8 years | Wear down over time |
Porcelain teeth last longer if you take good care of them. But they can break if you drop them or bite something very hard.
Ceramic teeth don’t break as much but they wear down over time. You might need new ones sooner.
How Do They Feel In Your Mouth?
Porcelain Teeth Feel
- Heavy in your mouth
- Hard when you bite
- Can make noise when you eat
- Can hurt your gums if you have soft gums
Ceramic (Acrylic) Teeth Feel
- Light and not too heavy
- Soft when you bite
- Quiet when you eat
- Better if you have thin gums or jaw bone loss
How Much Do They Cost?
Porcelain teeth cost more:
- About 20-30% more than acrylic
- Not always paid for by insurance
- Can be $500-1000 more per set
Ceramic (acrylic) teeth cost less:
- Most people can afford them
- Often partly paid for by insurance
- Most made today are this kind
Who Should Get Porcelain Teeth?
You might like porcelain teeth if:
- You want teeth that look very real
- You have strong jaw bones
- You don’t grind your teeth at night
- You don’t mind the heavy feel
- You can pay more
Check out our page on ceramic inlays and onlays to learn more about other porcelain dental work.
Who Should Get Ceramic (Acrylic) Teeth?
Ceramic (acrylic) teeth might be best if:
- You want to spend less money
- You have thin gums or jaw bone loss
- You grind your teeth
- You want light teeth
- You don’t like loud clicking sounds when you eat
For more options, see our flexible denture page for modern solutions that work with acrylic teeth.
How to Take Care of Your Denture Teeth
For Porcelain Teeth:
- Don’t drop them
- Use soft brushes
- Don’t eat very hard foods
- Clean them each day
For Ceramic (Acrylic) Teeth:
- Soak them at night
- Keep them wet when not in mouth
- Don’t use hot water (can bend them)
- Clean them each day
If you need help with repairs, learn more at our denture repair page.
What Do Dentists Say?
Most dentists say:
- Ceramic (acrylic) teeth are best for most people
- About 80% of dentures made today are acrylic
- They feel better and cost less
But some dentists still like porcelain teeth for:
- Front teeth where looks matter
- People with strong jaws
- Partial dentures (not full)
Common Questions People Ask
Is ceramic the same as acrylic in dentures?
No. Ceramic is a big word for many hard materials. Porcelain is one kind of ceramic. But most “ceramic dentures” are really made of acrylic resin, which is not a true ceramic. This mix-up of words makes many people confused.
Do porcelain dentures hurt gums?
They can if:
Your gums are soft
You have bone loss
They are not fit right
You bite hard foods
Porcelain is harder, so it can push on your gums more than acrylic.
Which lasts longer: porcelain or acrylic teeth?
Porcelain teeth last longer (7-15 years) before they wear down.
Acrylic teeth wear down faster (5-8 years) but break less often if dropped.
Can you fix broken denture teeth?
Yes! Broken teeth can be fixed. Acrylic teeth are easier to fix than porcelain. If porcelain teeth break, they might need to be all replaced.
What About Denture Occlusion Balance?
Denture occlusion balance means how your top and bottom teeth fit when you bite. This is very important!
- Porcelain teeth: Harder to adjust but stay the same
- Acrylic teeth: Easier to adjust but change over time as they wear
Your mouth feel depends a lot on this fit. Bad fit means pain and sore spots.
Denture Material Porosity
Porosity means tiny holes in the material:
- Porcelain: Less porous, so fewer germs can grow
- Acrylic: More porous, might need more cleaning
Less porous materials stay cleaner but might not be as comfy.
What Most People Choose
About 80% of people get acrylic denture teeth because:
- They cost less
- Feel better in the mouth
- Don’t break as easy
- Can be fixed more easily
But some people still like porcelain teeth for how real they look.
Final Thoughts
When picking denture teeth, think about:
- How much money you can spend
- If you have strong or weak jaw bones
- If you care most about looks or comfort
- How long you want them to last
Talk to your dentist! They know your mouth best and can tell you which is right for you.
