When Denture Repair Doesn’t Help: Knowing When to Replace Dentures

For those who wear artificial teeth, a denture repair is a form of routine maintenance that should be expected throughout the life of the dental appliance. Both simple adjustments and complex corrections can help improve fit and function as well as longevity. While some of the most frequently occurring problems can be fixed by repairing the dentures, there are situations that require replacing them instead.
When denture replacement may be necessary
According to the ADA, dentures should be consistently evaluated for replacement after five years of use, assuming other issues do not arise first. Some problems may warrant immediate replacement because repairs would not be an effective option.
Severe degrading of the device
With proper care, dentures should remain durable, clean, and pleasant looking. These precautions include:
- Soaking in a denture-cleaning solution when not in use
- Cleaning only with tools designed for denture use
- Careful handling to avoid damage
- Using only recommended amounts of adhesive
- Regular dental checkups
- Immediate assessment and denture repair when damage occurs
If patients ignore some of the essentials of proper denture care, the devices can deteriorate at a faster rate. This may cause them to warp, crack, or break altogether. It can also lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, resulting in staining, erosion, and even chronic inflammation and potential disease in the patient.
Recurrent poor fit
In many situations, a simple denture repair is all that is needed to improve poor fit. If a patient experiences sores or pain, minor modifications can make all the difference to ensure a more comfortable and secure placement. However, if multiple adjustments do not produce the desired results, it may be time to replace the prosthesis entirely. Even if dentures feel comfortable but still require multiple adhesive applications to stay in place, a dentist may need to assess the need for replacement.
Changes in the patient
Over time, a patient's teeth, gums, and bone structure will gradually change. This will affect the fit, stability, and overall appearance of dentures. This becomes especially true for individuals with partials, which are crafted to fit alongside existing teeth. If the fit does remain secure, dentures that once looked appropriate may later appear unnatural as the patient ages.
When denture repair is the appropriate choice
Even with careful handling and upkeep, dentures are likely to experience some type of damage over time. When a tooth, clasp, or base is broken, it can usually be repaired by a dental professional. If the denture base begins to wear out, relining can help restore the device for improved function and fit. It is important to note that all denture repair should be handled by a dentist since at-home repair can make the situation worse and may even prove dangerous for the patient.
Conclusion
In some situations, denture repair is all that is necessary to address damage or issues with everyday wear. However, serious damage, chronic problems, or changes in the patient could point to the need for replacement instead. An experienced dentist can help guide patients towards the appropriate treatment choice based on symptoms and need.
Are you considering denture repair in the Stuart area? Get more information at https://drdelucia.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
A healthy, complete smile is not only about looking good but is also important for your overall well-being. Dental bridges can help restore the appearance and function of your teeth. However, common misconceptions about these replacement options can prevent people from understanding their benefits. Let us debunk some common myths about dental bridges.While dental bridges…
Both dental bridges and implants are popular, effective tooth replacement solutions. However, there are cases in which a general dentist may recommend a dental bridge over implants. This may be due to the number of teeth missing, their location, and the strength of the underlying jawbone, among other factors. Understanding how each of these treatments…
A TMJ dentist is a dental professional who spends their days diagnosing and treating disorders that are related to the temporomandibular joint. This joint acts as a sliding hinge by connecting the jaw to the rest of the skull. Unfortunately, it can malfunction, which typically results in discomfort and dysfunction of the entire jaw.Thankfully, TMJ…
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement option designed to fill in the gaps in your smile caused by missing teeth. Dental bridges restore the basic functions of biting and speech as well as the visual appeal of your smile. This guide explains the dental bridge procedure and how it works to replace lost teeth.Dental…