Who fixes dentures?

Who fixes dentures?

A dentist takes impressions, checks the fit and adjusts dentures, and a dental laboratory technician fabricates them, according to Cleveland Clinic. The American College of Prosthodontists says a prosthodontist, a dentist with about three years of training beyond dental school, is the recommended starting point, especially for complex cases, and that for repairs you should return to the prosthodontist who made the denture, since a poor repair can cause chewing problems and sore spots. ADA MouthHealthy says to call your dentist right away if the denture breaks, cracks, chips or a tooth loosens. Simple repairs may be done quickly, and complex ones may need the denture to be sent to a laboratory.

Why you should not fix dentures yourself

ADA MouthHealthy says not to use do-it-yourself kits or over-the-counter glues on a denture. The American College of Prosthodontists likewise advises against over-the-counter reline kits and says a poor repair can cause chewing problems and sore spots. Healthline says not to try to repair broken dentures yourself and to contact your dentist if dentures are uncomfortable, slip, click when you talk or eat, or look worn or broken.

Loose dentures and relines

Jawbone shrinks after tooth loss, which can cause slipping, sore spots and ulcers, according to the American College of Prosthodontists, and ADA MouthHealthy says aging can change your gums and bone, affecting fit. If a denture no longer fits well, its base can be refitted in a procedure called a reline, and Cleveland Clinic says a reline every one to two years, or whenever the fit changes, adds material for a better fit. If a reline cannot help, the denture may need to be remade, and the prosthodontists' page says lower dentures are often less stable than upper ones and may benefit from implant support.

How to apply denture adhesive

Use the least you need. The American College of Prosthodontists says adhesive can help stabilize dentures while you adjust, but use no more than three or four pea-sized dabs per denture, and warns that heavy adhesive use can mask a loose fit. Healthline says to use the amount the manufacturer recommends. Clean and dry the denture, apply small dabs as the product's instructions say, and seat the denture firmly. If you need more and more adhesive to keep it in, see your dentist about the fit.

How to remove denture adhesive and denture glue

The American College of Prosthodontists says to remove excess adhesive with gauze, tissue, a damp washcloth or a wet toothbrush, and Healthline says to remove leftover adhesive every night with a soft brush, mild soap and water. If you are using adhesive correctly, there should not be a lot left on your gums and palate when you remove the denture. Do not use any glue to hold a denture together; if a denture needs bonding, your dentist or prosthodontist does that.

How to clean plaque off partial dentures

ADA MouthHealthy's advice for partial dentures is to brush daily with a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush, not a hard one, and not to use toothpaste, to use a denture cleaner with the ADA Seal or mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid, to rinse before inserting, not to chew, swallow or gargle with cleansers, to keep the denture moist overnight and to clean over a towel or water in case it is dropped. Healthline adds that for partial dentures you should also brush and floss your remaining natural teeth, and to soak overnight in lukewarm water or solution and avoid hot water, which can change the shape. Cleveland Clinic says to remove dentures daily and soak them overnight, and that plaque on partials sits around the clasps, so clean there carefully. Tartar that will not brush off needs a dentist.

How often dentures need checking or remaking

The American College of Prosthodontists says dentures should be checked yearly and often need remaking after 5 to 10 years, or sooner if they become loose. Cleveland Clinic gives an average lifespan of seven to 10 years with proper care and says to consider replacement if they feel loose, hurt the gums, click when speaking, are damaged or discolored, or are more than 10 years old. Healthline suggests checkups about every six months.

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