3 Types of Denture Repair
Although dentures are designed to be durable, it is common for them to need repairing or adjusting at some point during their life. Dentures work hard for their wearers every day: chewing food, facilitating speech, and doing a great job of replicating a natural smile. Here are a few repairs that most dentures need from time to time.
1. Denture Relining
Relining is a process that can help dentures to fit better and feel more comfortable in the mouth. During denture relining, a dental technician removes the flexible plastic that makes up the denture base. The next step is to form a new base for the dentures based on a mould taken from the patient's mouth. The new base should not only be newer than the old one, but also a more accurate fit for the current shape of the wearer's mouth. Denture relining should be carried out every few years, as the shape of your mouth can change as you get older. You should notice a big increase in comfort after a denture reline.
2. Repairing Dentures Broken in Half
Dentures are designed to be flexible enough to withstand impacts, but if you do not care for them properly they can become brittle. For example, dentures become brittle if you allow them to become dry, instead of storing them in water or denture cleaning solution when you are not wearing them.
If your dentures have snapped in half or a part has broken off, bring all the parts to your dentist. They can often reattach the various parts of the dentures to restore them. Do not try to stick the dentures back together yourself. The glue you use at home could irritate your mouth or damage your dentures. The safest option is to let a professional deal with the repair. If you do not have all the broken parts, it is still worth bringing your dentures to a dentist to repair. They might be able to create a new part to replace the bit that is lost.
3. Denture Adjustment
Over time, the shape of your mouth can change dramatically, which can mean that your dentures no longer fit. Sometimes, a simple denture reline can be enough to get a good fit, but other times the dentures need more significant adjustment. If you describe the fit problems you are having to your dentist, they can decide whether it is possible to adjust your dentures or whether you need to have a new set made for you.