Your dentures have never been one hundred percent comfortable, but lately, they’ve been feeling a lot worse. Your gum tissue is irritated and you’re having trouble chewing. If this sounds familiar, then you might need to have your dentures repaired or replaced by your dentist. Keep reading as we discuss how exactly your dentist can fix your dentures.
How Can Dentures Wear Down?
As with natural teeth, your denture teeth can wear down after years of chewing. As you chew and bite, you apply a force that can eventually create tiny fractures. Sometimes these fractures are not noticeable until they worsen and become much larger. Fractures may also occur as a result of dropping. Be sure to be extra careful when handling your dentures to prevent breakage.
Even if you take perfectly good care of your dentures, they will need to be replaced every few years. This is because when you’re missing teeth, your jawbone and gums naturally shrink. This results in the dentures not fitting properly and causing you discomfort, as well as a hindrance to your chewing and biting abilities. If you experience any discomfort in your dentures, be sure to let your dentist know right away.
How Can Dentures Be Repaired?
Your dentist can add more material to the denture to improve its fit. This is called relining or basing the dentures. If the fit isn’t too off, it can be done in the dentist’s office. However, for more severe misalignments, your dentures may need to be sent off to a lab for adjustments. Dentures are mainly made of acrylic resin, a material that is durable, comfortable, and easily repairable.
What Are Implant-Retained Dentures?
If your dentures are loose or worn down and need replacement, implant-retained dentures might be a great option for you. These full or partial dentures are held in place with dental implants, which are metal posts surgically inserted into the jawbone to mimic the root structure of natural teeth. Because they are designed to be permanent, your dentures will be more stable. You won’t need as much adhesive, and you might even need none at all. You also won’t have to worry about your dentures slipping out while you eat or speak!
Taking proper care of your dentures is essential in making sure that they do their job and last for a long time. If you have any problem with your dentures, such as severe discomfort, be sure to call your dentist right away.
About the Author
Dr. Lauren Gadeberg graduated from Tufts university School of Dental Medicine in 2014. She also served for four years as a member of the United States Navy Dental Corps, where she worked in several different fields of dentistry. She is on her way to receive a certification in dental implants from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. To learn more about how Dr. Gadeberg can repair your dentures, click here or call (978)-927-3515.