Resin Reinforced Acrylic vs. Zirconia

The fixed and removable prosthesis has proven to be a life-changer for the edentulous patient by dramatically increasing prosthetic stability and significantly improving speech and the ability to masticate. A fixed-detachable prosthesis is also much more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Added benefits include a positive impact on oral health and preservation of bone.

The acrylic hybrid denture has been the standard go-to prosthesis for the all-on-four procedure. Resin has only one downside. It is prone to wear, and with milled bars chipping and delaminating have also been problematic. Our revolutionary Mesh Bar design eliminates these common issues seen with all-on-four as the resin becomes one with the Mesh Bar, interlocking the resin and the bar and eliminating breakage. In fact, the only way to get the resin off of one of our Mesh Bars is to burn it off.

Zirconia has attempted to solve the issues seen with traditional hybrids by offering an alternative material that because it is a “glass-like” material does not wear. Zirconia initially seems like a good option, but it has its downfalls as well. Zirconia was never designed for full arch restorations or large span bridges. Resin is also easily repaired while zirconia is not. Our Mesh Bar reinforced with resin creates less force on implants than zirconia because they are lighter in weight and resin is less abrasive. You will also notice a much more natural aesthetic look. An added benefit of our Mesh Bar design is access holes in metal that make for easier removal.

In many cases, resin reinforced with our Mesh Bar design is a great alternative. Here’s why.

Three factors need to be looked at, the strength of the prosthesis, aesthetics, and long-term cost to the patient.

Although bulk fracture appears to be quite uncommon with Zirconia, the major problem encountered is porcelain cracking, with a problematic rate between 8% and 50%. The thickness and framework design also play a role. Resin is a much more forgiving material than Zirconia.

In the video below, you’ll see a case where our approach is a better option because it is less traumatizing to number 8 and 9 on the upper when a hybrid is opposing natural dentition including porcelain crowns. Although Zirconia materials are able to withstand posterior physiologic loads and zirconia cores are considered reliable materials, these restorations are often not the right choice for anterior restorations. Resin is also kinder to the implants, which can be a major expense if they need to be replaced.

When considering aesthetics, Zirconia is quite opaque, and although it may be fine for posterior restorations, it is not as desirable for anterior restorations.

In this case, the patient wore a temporary for 2 years without any breakage. They chose a resin hybrid reinforced with a Mesh bar for their final.

There is some argument is that resin will have to be replaced at some point. Keep in mind that the Mesh Bar and the implants will still be useable if this happens, creating a minimal expense for the patient.

Resin reinforced with our revolutionary Mesh Bar design creates a stronger, more aesthetic, more cost-effective hybrid.

Contact Joel to learn more and order Mesh Bars for your lab.