Denture Repair: When Should I Replace My Dentures?

Even with great care, your dentures will need professional denture repair at some point. The material the appliances are made from can erode or weaken. A denture fracture is also not uncommon, especially for an appliance that has been in use for some time. The longer a denture is used, the more likely it will need to be repaired by a dental professional.

Denture repair

Dentures may fracture due to a poor fit or if they are dropped. Dentures with an uneven bite can put excessive stress on the denture in a specific site, causing them to break at that spot. Worn teeth on the appliance can also contribute to the poor distribution of chewing forces. After a while, this can ruin the fit, which can lead to many problems.

Denture replacement

Over time, dentures will need to be rebased, relined, or remade due to several reasons. It may be necessary due to normal wear and natural age-related changes to the jawbones, face, and gums, or if the dentures break or become loose. To rebase or reline a denture, the provider will refit the denture base or make a new base and reuse the existing teeth. There is no specific way to determine how often dentures should be rebased, relined, or completely remade. This decision can be made only after a thorough assessment by a qualified dental provider. The provider will analyze the wear and function of the device and take into account the fit and the satisfaction of the patient.

Generally, the dental appliances should be used for several years before a replacement is necessary. The normal lifetime of the appliances is about 5 to 10 years, however, this can vary significantly depending on the patient. It is vital to keep dentures working properly and comfortably to facilitate talking, eating, and smiling. Worn or ill-fitting dentures should be replaced before they cause problems. The dentist will let the patient know when it is time to replace dentures or if denture repair is necessary.

Denture care

Even though regular replacement is normal, it is vital to take good care of dentures to minimize denture issues. People should handle them with care to avoid accidentally dropping them, which can lead to breakage. Like natural teeth, dentures should be brushed every day to remove plaque and food. An individual should use a brush with soft bristles that is specifically designed for cleaning them properly.

Using a hard-bristled brush is not ideal as it can damage or wear down dentures. All surfaces of the dentures should be brushed gently to avoid damaging the plastic or bending attachments. Mild dishwashing liquid or hand soap can be used to clean the appliances. But toothpaste that may be too abrasive for dentures and household cleansers should not be used.

Contact your dentist

Proper denture care is important for not only the health of the dentures but also the mouth. All denture wearers can benefit from seeing the dentist twice a year or as recommended. Contact your dentist as soon as you can if your dentures crack, break, or become loose. Do not try to adjust them on your own because it can lead to many complications. Oftentimes, denture repair or adjustment can be done on the same day.

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