Dentures are a vital solution for individuals who have lost some or all of their teeth, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. However, like any dental appliance, dentures can wear down, become damaged, or need adjustments over time. Denture repair is a crucial service that restores the fit, function, and appearance of your dentures, ensuring you can continue to smile with confidence. In this post, we’ll explore the different types of denture repairs, why they’re necessary, and how to care for your dentures to extend their lifespan.
What is Denture Repair?
Denture repair involves fixing or restoring damaged dentures to their original condition. This can include repairing cracks or breaks, replacing missing teeth, adjusting the fit, or adding components like clasps. Depending on the severity of the damage, denture repair can often be completed quickly, sometimes even on the same day.
Types of Denture Repair
- Crack or Break Repair
- Tooth Replacement
- Denture Relining
- Clasp Addition or Replacement
- Full Denture Repair
Why Denture Repair is Important
- Restore Functionality: Damaged dentures can make it difficult to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. Repairing them ensures that your dentures continue to function as intended.
- Prevent Further Damage: Small cracks or loose teeth can lead to more significant problems if left unaddressed. Timely repairs can prevent further damage and extend the life of your dentures.
- Improve Comfort: Properly fitting dentures are essential for comfort. Repairs that address issues like poor fit or broken components can help eliminate discomfort and irritation.
- Maintain Aesthetics: Your smile is a crucial part of your appearance. Denture repairs that restore missing teeth or fix cracks ensure that your smile looks natural and attractive.
How to Care for Your Dentures
To minimize the need for repairs and prolong the life of your dentures, it’s essential to care for them properly:
- Handle with Care: Always handle your dentures over a soft surface like a towel or water-filled sink to avoid breaking them if they’re dropped.
- Clean Daily: Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque.
- Soak Overnight: Soak your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly to ensure your dentures are fitting correctly and to address any issues early.
Denture Repair Procedure
A clasp is a small metal or plastic component attached to partial dentures to secure them to your natural teeth. If a clasp breaks or wears out, a new one can be added to improve the stability and fit of the denture.
If a tooth on your denture becomes loose, damaged, or falls out, it can be replaced. A new tooth is carefully matched to the existing teeth in color and shape, and securely attached to the denture base.
A metal mesh is sometimes embedded in the lower denture for added strength and durability. This is especially useful for people with weaker bone structures, as it helps prevent the denture from breaking.
This refers to a complete set of dentures that replace all the teeth in the upper and lower jaws. These are custom-made to fit your mouth and restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.