Loose denture? Reline, repair or replace
A denture that used to fit well can start to slip, rub or need more and more fixative. That is normal, and it does not always mean a new denture.
Why dentures get loose
Your gums and the bone under them slowly change shape over the years, especially after teeth are taken out. The denture stays the same, so the fit drifts.
When a reline is the answer
If the denture is in good shape but no longer grips, a reline is usually right. New acrylic is added to the fitting side so it matches your gums again. The teeth and the look stay the same.
- It slips when you eat or talk
- You need more fixative than before
- It rubs or leaves sore spots
- Food gets trapped underneath
When it needs a repair
A crack, a snap or a lost tooth is a repair. A loose denture is more likely to crack, so if it is both loose and cracked, it is worth doing both while you are in.
When a new denture makes sense
If a denture has been repaired many times, the teeth are very worn, or it is many years old, a new one can be the better choice. Bring it in and we will tell you honestly what we think before we start anything.