A full acrylic denture is a custom removable dental prosthesis designed to replace all natural teeth in one dental arch (upper or lower), entirely constructed from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the primary acrylic resin used in dentistry. Unlike metal-framed partial dentures, its base-mimicking the color and texture of natural gum tissue-and artificial teeth are both made of PMMA, creating a cohesive, aesthetic unit.
For fabrication, dentists first take precise alginate or silicone impressions of the edentulous (toothless) jaw to capture oral anatomy. Next, they record jaw relation (how upper and lower jaws align at rest and during chewing) to ensure proper bite function. The impressions are then used to make stone casts, onto which PMMA teeth are arranged (matching the patient's natural tooth shape and shade) before the base is cured under heat or pressure to form a rigid, custom-fit structure.
Clinically, it suits patients with complete tooth loss (edentulism) who lack enough remaining teeth for partial dentures. It restores basic chewing ability-helping process soft to moderately firm foods-and improves speech by stabilizing the lips and tongue. While affordable and easy to adjust (e.g., relining the base if gum tissue shrinks), it has limitations: PMMA's surface wears down faster than porcelain or metal, requiring replacement every 5–7 years, and initial use may cause mild gum irritation until the patient adapts. Daily maintenance includes brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste and soaking in denture cleaner to prevent bacterial buildup.