Will denture repair improve my loose denture? I’ve had my denture for eight years, and it is loose. After several visits from my dentist, I wonder if denture repair will correct it or if it’s already time for a new denture. Can denture repair help? Thank you. Sterling from Silver Springs, MD
Sterling,
If your denture is eight years old and continues to be loose despite relines, you probably need a new denture.
Will Denture Repair Correct a Loose Denture?
Denture repair may correct a loose denture if there is damage to the denture base. However, if the denture base is worn or old, a dentist must take impressions of your mouth to create a new custom denture. The American College of Prosthodontists confirms that despite relining and denture adhesives, some dentures are in a condition that can only be resolved by getting a new denture.
Why Is Your Denture Loose?
A denture may be loose for these reasons:
- Inadequate denture impressions – If a dentist takes inaccurate impressions of your mouth, a new denture will not fit as well as possible.
- Damage or wear – A denture may wear or get damaged over time, affecting how it fits. Denture repair may help a damaged denture fit better. However, a worn denture requires replacement.
- Jawbone shrinkage – Your jawbone gradually shrinks when all your teeth are missing. Bone shrinkage changes how your denture fits and may cause it to float.
Getting a New Denture That Fits Well
You can get a new denture that fits well if a dentist takes a two-step impression. Some dentists use a three-step impression or additional methods for optimal denture fit.
- Preliminary impression – A skilled cosmetic dentist will take an initial impression of your mouth to make a model of your jaw.
- Denture tray – A dentist can use the preliminary impression to make a model of your jaw, which helps create a custom tray. Some dentists use a moldable stock tray.
- Second impression – Using a heavier impression material, the dentist takes a second impression of your mouth to register denture borders.
- Filling in the details – A lighter impression material fills in the details of your mouth-s soft tissue for a custom fit.
Minimize denture repairs and relining with same-day dentures or Teeth-in-a-Day.
The above steps ensure that a removable denture has an optimal fit. It can help minimize the need for denture relining. Still, as your jawbone continues to shrink, your denture will loosen. Many patients consider supporting their dentures with dental implants, known as implant overdentures, All-on-4 dental implants, Teeth-in-a-Day, or same-day dentures.
How Do Implant Dentures Work?
Implant dentures keep your replacement teeth stable because a dentist places dental implants, or replacement tooth roots, in your jawbone.
- Anchor denture teeth – After the bone and implants fuse, your denture will have solid support.
- Prevent jawbone shrinkage – You won’t have to worry about loose dentures. Also, dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent further shrinkage. When you get implant-supported dentures, you can get same-day dentures while your mouth heals.
- Minimize denture repairs – You will handle your dentures less often when dental implants support them, decreasing the risks of damage and denture repair.
We recommend consulting with a prosthodontist to identify why your dentures are loose and learn about treatment options for long-term success with same-day dentures or Teeth-in-a-Day.
San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.