Denture Adjustments and RepairsLos Angeles, CA

Common Types of Denture Repairs

The common types of denture repairs include denture relines, rebasing, and adjustments. A denture reline involves resurfacing parts of a denture that have worn down or become damaged. A soft reline adds a liquid polymer into a denture to add cushion and make it more comfortable. A hard reline reshapes the damaged portion of a denture with a resin material that hardens like a denture base, resulting in a more permanent repair than soft relines.

A denture rebase involves replacing the acrylic bottom of a denture to make it more stable without deconstructing the entire prosthetic. It is a beneficial repair for older dentures that have sustained a fracture. Denture readjustments are when a person has their dentures adjusted to ensure a proper. People with dentures that have worn down or experienced changes in their facial structure should have a denture adjustment. This repair prevents dentures from loosening or shifting and causing discomfort.

Signs Your Dentures May Need Repairs or Adjustments

Dentures generally need repairs after sustaining damage. Even when dentures are in good condition, adjustments may be needed if the undamaged dentures no longer fit well due to changes in the jawbone, gums, or remaining natural teeth. Recognizing these early signs of required maintenance is important to return to wearing dentures comfortably as soon as possible. Early signs of needing dental maintenance can include:

• Broken or loose replacement tooth: Any issues with replacement teeth should be addressed promptly. A dentist can easily solve this problem. Avoid chewing with a denture whose structure is unsound since this can lead to further breakage and possible mouth injury.
• Cracked or chipped teeth or base: Cracks or chipping can result from biting down on hard foods or dropping the dentures. While this defect may not render the denture unwearable, it needs a prompt fix. In addition to further deterioration, cracks and chips can provide havens for bacterial growth.
• Discomfort while chewing: Chewing with dentures often feels different from using natural teeth. However, after an initial adjustment period, it should not be uncomfortable. Pressure or pain while eating can mean the dentures need adjustment.
• Pain or pressure: These sensations in the mouth can indicate a damaged denture surface. They can also arise if the dentures no longer fit properly. Ignoring this sign can lead to more serious problems later.
• Persistent odor: Following a dentist's care instructions should get rid of smells. If it does not, this can mean a hidden crack where bacteria are growing. A dentist can identify and fix any issue causing a persistent odor.

Regular check-ups can help address issues requiring denture adjustments and repairs. The American College of Prosthodontists recommends denture wearers visit the dentist at least once a year. Individual patients may receive a recommendation to come in more frequently.

What to Do About Stains on Dentures

Using appropriate denture care routines goes a long way toward keeping them clean. An article in the Journal of Applied Oral Science points out that regular brushing and denture cleansing solutions are necessary to get rid of harmful microbes. A proper cleaning routine will keep the mouth healthy and prevent stains from occurring. However, sometimes stains persist. While many people reach for regular tooth whitening products, it is important to know that they are not appropriate for dentures and can even damage them.

Our team can help with persistent stains by performing an in-office cleaning or providing a specialty cleaning product that is effective and denture-safe. To minimize staining, rinse the dentures immediately after ingesting substances such as coffee or wine that commonly cause stains. Seeing a dentist according to the recommended schedule, closely following denture care instructions, and seeing a dentist are some other ways to keep dentures in great condition.

The Benefits of Denture Adjustments and Repairs

Seeing the dentist for denture adjustments and repairs will help keep them in good condition and make them more comfortable. Our team can direct you to the necessary procedures to fix damaged or poorly fitting dentures. These are a few of the benefits of denture adjustments and repairs:

• Avoid Expensive Issues. A trained professional can repair minor damage easily. However, ignoring an issue may lead to more significant problems. This may mean a major repair or replacing the dentures.
• Enjoy Comfortable Dentures. Dentures should sit comfortably in the mouth. Poorly fitting dentures can put undue pressure on the gums and cause discomfort. An adjustment can often fix these issues.
• Maintain Better Oral Health. Loose dentures may cause sores in the mouth. Also, they make maintaining good oral hygiene harder. Denture adjustments and repairs are part of good oral health.