National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Prepare for the NBDHE Dental Hygienist Exam. Enhance your skills with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

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Which of the following is not commonly used as a material for making partial dentures and denture teeth?

  1. Acrylic resin

  2. Porcelain

  3. Glass ionomer

  4. Metal alloy

The correct answer is: Glass ionomer

Glass ionomer is not commonly used as a material for making partial dentures and denture teeth. While it has valuable properties, such as being used in restorative dentistry for its adhesive qualities and ability to release fluoride, glass ionomer is not suitable for the structural requirements of dentures or denture teeth. Partial dentures and denture teeth typically need materials that can withstand the forces of chewing and have the aesthetic qualities to closely resemble natural teeth. Acrylic resin is widely used because it is lightweight, easy to mold, and can be easily color-matched to gums and teeth. Porcelain is another common choice, especially for denture teeth, due to its hardness and ability to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Metal alloys provide strength and durability in the framework of partial dentures, effectively balancing function and aesthetics. In contrast, glass ionomer does not offer the necessary rigidity and wear resistance typically required for the functional life of dentures. Thus, it is not a suitable choice for these applications.