As a denture wearer, you may often find yourself needing denture repairs from time to time. This can either be as a result of your dentures being fractured from an accident, or you just needing an adjustment because your dentures no longer fit properly. Regardless of your reasons for needing one, denture repairs are what ensure that your dentures last long and continue to fit properly.
So, if you’ve noticed any cracks or damages to your dentures, do not panic but make an appointment with a reliable denture repair service immediately. To help you better familiarise yourself with the process of repairing dentures, here is a quick glance at how denture repairs are performed.
How Dentists Perform Denture Repairs
Evaluation of the Damage
When it comes to denture repairs, there are many factors that influence what kind of repair your denture needs or if you’re even better off with a replacement. In some cases, the damage you think is superficial may turn out to be very serious, like denture stomatitis. This is why an evaluation of the damaged denture is the very first step of denture repair.
There are different types of denture damage, from a fractured base and chipped denture tooth to cracks and teeth coming out of the denture. By evaluating the denture and determining the type of damage, the dentist can then know how to progress with the repairs.
Mild Damages
Typically, repairs for these types of damages can be carried out fairly quickly, and you should be able to get your dentures back on the same day. A broken denture base is a common example of mild denture damage. When this occurs, the dentist will need to reline the base and set it in place. An adhesive will be used to repair the break, and the dentures cleaned off.
In some cases, where a tooth comes out of the denture, parts of the gum (base) surrounding that tooth may be replaced. However, if a tooth only has a small chip, it will be repaired and not replaced.
Severe Damages
This is when your denture is fully split, has pieces that are missing, or has teeth that are severely damaged. The repairs carried out in these cases are usually more extensive. Depending on the damage, the dentist will have to take impressions of your mouth to make a mold which will be used to either create a new denture tooth or base. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will get a new set of dentures, as only the damaged parts (base or tooth) will be replaced.
Relining and Rebasing
These are the two common types of denture repairs that people get. A reline is carried out to adjust the fit of dentures, so they are mostly done when your dentures no longer fit properly as a result of changes to the shape of your gums and mouth tissues over time. Rebasing is done to replace a denture base that has become warped or damaged.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
Minor Problems are Often Fixed In-office
Minor cracks or chips on denture teeth can often be fixed with simple repairs carried out in-office. After the repair is completed, the dentist also educates the patients on the proper care and handling of dentures to prevent future problems.
More Serious Fixes may Require Dental Impressions
When the damage to your denture is serious or in cases where your gums and jawbones have undergone changes, dental impressions may be required for the repair. This is done to ensure that after the repairs, the dentures fit your mouth perfectly. Denture repairs that require impressions may take longer to complete.
Off-site Repairs may be Necessary for Serious Damages
For extensive repairs, the dentist may send your dentures out to a special lab that has the appropriate tools. This is why it is recommended that wearers always have spare dentures that they can wear in the event that a broken set gets sent away. Off-site denture repairs usually take longer (up to two weeks) to complete.
Never Attempt an At-home Denture Repair
While many drug stores do sell at-home denture repair kits, it is important to note that these kits are only meant to be a temporary fix, and if you don’t follow the instructions properly, you may end up causing irreparable damage to your denture. The process of repairing dentures is quite complex, so it is always better to leave it to the experts who have the right knowledge, tools, and experience.
Conclusion
Dentures are made to be quite durable, but they will require adjustments or repairs eventually. When they do, it is important that you schedule an appointment with a qualified professional immediately. Depending on the nature of the damage, there are different types of denture repairs that you can get. The duration and costs will also vary depending on the type of repair you are getting.
Also read: Do You Know, Advantages of Dental Implants?
