Dentures Repair and Replacement
When you are missing many teeth, there are many different dental problems that you will face. On a purely aesthetic basis, missing teeth will make your smile look worse, and it may make you self-conscious about speaking, laughing, or smiling with ease, even around loved ones. There are functional problems to consider as well, such as the mere acts of biting, chewing, and speaking. By meeting with a skilled restorative dentist, you can get the treatment you need for dealing with missing teeth.
When a patient is missing many teeth, a denture is usually the best option for care. Let's take a minute to examine dentures and the topic of repairing and replacing them if needed.
About Dentures
Dentures are artificial sets of teeth that are designed to fill up a substantial portion of the dental arch. There are partial dentures to fill in large gaps along a row of teeth and full dentures for cases in which a patient is missing all or nearly all of his or her teeth in a row.
Are dentures delicate?
Even though dentures are designed to restore the smile and to perform normal functions that natural teeth would, the appliances themselves can be fragile if not handled properly. If dropped on the ground, the denture can chip or crack, for instance. This is why patients are asked to handle their dentures with care to avoid damage.
Reasons for Dentures Breaking or Sustaining Damage
Some common reasons for denture damage include:
- Accidental drops
- Biting hard objects (e.g., unpopped popcorn kernels, pen caps)
- Injury to the mouth
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Abrasive care with a toothbrush
- Regular wear and tear
In addition to the above, sometimes dentures become damaged because patients place them in boiling water to clean or sterilize them. This is not advised as the extreme temperature can cause the dentures to change shape, even if just slightly.
Signs of Denture Wear or Damage
When dentures are damaged or become worn, there are some telltale signs that patients will notice. Some of the include:
- Obvious chips and cracks in the denture
- More denture cream needed to secure position
- Poor fit of the denture
- The denture is loose
- Sores along the gumline/dental arch
- Sudden chewing problems
- Issues with denture comfort
- Speech impediments
Should the denture be repaired or entirely replaced?
This will vary based on the nature of the denture damage sustained. Sometimes at-home repair kits can be used for minor problems with the denture, though professional repairs are generally better in quality for long-term durability. If there is a substantial crack or chip, however, or if the denture itself has been significantly damaged in some fashion, it is necessary for the denture to be replaced entirely.
The Importance of the Consultation Process
If you have sustained damage of any kind to you denture, it's important that you meet with your dentist for a consultation. By doing this, you can find out if a repair or a full replacement would be best for you and your needs. Your dentist can then go over the necessary steps to ensure proper dental wellness.
Learn More About the Dentures and Restorative Dental Care
For more information about dentures and your many other options for addressing tooth loss, be sure to contact our dental care center serving the San Antonio area. We can meet many of your restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs, providing you with a great, healthy smile in the process.