When Denture Repair Is Recommended

Wear and tear make denture repairs inevitable in the long run. This is why a general dentistry practice that deals with dentures should have in-house facilities for minor and moderate repairs. The practice should also have quick access to a dental lab in case a patient needs major repairs for their dentures. Knowing when to take your dentures to a dentist’s office is important to avoid discomfort or outright injury.

Denture repair: the benefits of routine visits for people with dentures

Dentures have components that can break, come loose, or detach from the main unit. Each component is vulnerable to different kinds of wear and tear. The base or artificial gums can absorb the chewing and grinding forces of the mouth, which can cause the device to warp. The base can also break or fracture when an accident happens.

The artificial teeth can fracture or come loose, which can change the bite of the dentures. Lastly, the palate that supports the upper part of dentures can warp, break, or fracture. This component is especially vulnerable to heat. In addition to wear and tear, dentures can become ill-fitting as a person’s gums and jaws change.

It is also essential to keep tabs on the health of the oral cavity the same way that a person with natural teeth would. All of these are reasons to schedule routine checkups for dentures and the mouth that they occupy. Here are a few reasons for denture repair:

1. When wear and tear happens

DIY denture repair can only do so much to restore the fit and function of a set of dentures. Visiting the dentist is ideal when dentures break or wear down over time.

2. For refitting

Placing dentures in hot water causes them to warp, as does chronic teeth grinding. Another reason that dentures lose their perfect fit is changes to the gums and underlying jawbone. This is not the kind of fault that lends itself to at-home DIY fixes.

A dentist would have to restore the fit of a set of dentures based on the current shape of the patient’s mouth. They would do this by relining the artificial gums in a set of dentures or replacing the gums altogether (rebasing).

3. For improving the bite of dentures

Dentures can develop a bad bite when the artificial teeth break, come loose, or fall out. The teeth can also lose their alignment, causing a person to strain when they chew. Professional denture repair creates a bite that matches and accommodates the wearer’s dental arch.

4. To prevent (further) injury

Broken or ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation, sores, and cuts to the mouth's soft tissues. The pain that accompanies the injuries should drive a person to see a dentist about denture repair.

Frequently asked questions about denture repair

Time to explore the answers to a few commonly asked questions about denture repair:

1. Will my dentures last forever if I take good care of them?

Unfortunately, no. Dentures are not designed to last forever, regardless of how well you take care of them. They typically come with plastic components that make them prone to fractures. The false teeth that come with the framework can also become damaged with wear and tear. These false teeth can also be loosened by the bite pressures regularly experienced.

Dentures can last up to 10 years when properly maintained. Proper maintenance includes cleaning the appliance each night and soaking it in a denture solution. Improper care can also lead to dentures breaking prematurely. For example, cleaning dentures with toothpaste can damage the artificial teeth. Special denture cleaners should be used.

Dentures also become damaged due to an improper fit. The jaw is constantly changing, especially when a person has missing teeth. These changes to a person’s jawbone can lead to an improper fit, which puts excess stress on the appliance, significantly increasing the risk of a fracture or a break.

2. Should I try fixing my dentures myself?

That is typically not a good idea unless you have been trained to perform denture repairs. Trying to fix dentures on your own often leads to additional damage. Trying to fix dentures on your own can also expose you to toxins if you do not have access to the proper materials needed for repairs. For example, trying to superglue dentures back together leaves you exposed to toxic chemicals. 

Everything that your dentures need, all in one place

We offer services that are helpful to people who need or wear dentures. Our team is on hand to create new dental prosthetics or to oversee denture repair. We also offer routine dental exams and maintenance that can extend the life of your dentures. Get in touch with us to find out how to keep your dentures in good condition for the long haul.

Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

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