Denture Rebase and Repairs 

It is expected that you will need your dentures repaired from time to time. A damaged or fractured denture can lead to significant distress. From situations like natural wear and tear to trauma, urgent attention may be needed to prevent further problems. Understanding what is involved with different types of denture repairs can help ease your mind and make the process go much more smoothly.

Denture Repairs: Types

There are three main types of denture repair:

  • Relining
  • Rebasing
  • Adjusting

What is relining?

Your dentures may need relining when your dentures change over time. This is an expected development that happens periodically due to small, gradual changes in the soft tissues and gums in the mouth. Eventually, these changes will lead to a change in the fit of your dentures. When this happens, you can take them to your dentist to be professionally relined.

To reline your dentures, your dentist will be adding material to the plate hugging your gums when the soft or hard tissues in your mouth have changed, or if your denture has some broken or lost parts.

If only small adjustments are needed, your dentist may be able to reline your dentures right in the office. They may also need to take impressions of your mouth to be sent to a dental lab. 

dentures

What is a rebase?

Rebasing is a common type of denture repair for the replacement of the complete denture base to enhance stability. Denture rebasing is sometimes needed when dentures are reaching the end of their lifespan. It is also commonly used when a denture is damaged, such as if it is accidentally dropped.

Adjustments

If your dentures need repairing, many times your dentist can make adjustments to improve their fit and make them more comfortable when you are wearing them. Most denture adjustments are minor in nature, allowing them to regain function or aesthetics.

Denture Care

The better you care for your dentures, the longer they will tend to last. The best way to care for your dentures is to regularly brush them and rinse them so that they remain clean and free from stains.

When you are not wearing your dentures, keep them in water or denture cleanser solution. You want to avoid allowing your dentures to dry out, which could change their shape and the way that they fit in your mouth. 

Although dentures are artificial teeth, they can still accumulate plaque and bacteria. So clean them using a denture cleanser on a regular basis. Denture cleansers are available as tablets, solutions, pastes and gels. 

When you brush your dentures, always use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid commercial toothpastes that tend to contain abrasives that can form grooves in your dentures, potentially harboring oral bacteria.

When to Contact Your Dentist

Are your dentures damaged or broken? If you need denture repair, do not attempt to repair them yourself, as you could risk making the problem worse. Contact your dentist if your dentures become damaged or if they no longer fit comfortably. The sooner you have the problem repaired, the sooner you can begin wearing your dentures again.