Elastic dental prostheses - alternative solutions for patients using acrylic prostheses: Literature review.

Elastic dentures are prostheses made of thermoplastic material. This category includes: nylons, acetals, acrylicpolymers, and acrons. Elastic prostheses have been recognized for several years; however, their propertiesare constantly being modified. In the opinion of the majority of patients, elastic prostheses are comfortable,handy and long-lasting. Elastic dentures are a good choice for esthetic reasons. They may be recommendedfor patients who do not accept clasps in framework dentures, but cannot afford dentures supported withprecise elements or implant-based fixed appliances. Such dentures can be applied in masticatory organrehabilitation in patients with increased absolute reflexes, especially retching. Furthermore, such features likesize, construction weight or material plasticity and smoothness are considered to be advantages of thermoplasticmaterials. Elastic dentures are the only removable appliances for patients allergic to metal or acrylic.They are better tolerated by patients with an uneasy prosthetic base or with systemic diseases, e.g., diabetes,who are more susceptible to the traumatic activity of the hard plate of traditional dentures made of acrylicmaterial. Adaptation time is shortened and the number of necessary corrections is reduced. Hygiene rulesas well as follow-up visits terms must be strictly obeyed.