Signs your dentures need attention
- Loose fit. Common after first getting dentures, and again as the gums and bone change shape. Eating with loose dentures can cause further damage.
- Discomfort or sore spots. Dentures should feel comfortable as you talk, smile and eat. Pressure sores mean it is time for an adjustment. New dentures often need one or more.
- Cracks or chips in the base. Come in even for a small crack. Left alone, it can grow into a major repair or a replacement.
- Damaged teeth. Often the result of a drop or of eating with dentures that do not fit well.
Do not keep wearing damaged dentures just because they feel fine. Uneven surfaces and a poor fit can slowly cause irritation, sores and even infection.
Common fixes
- Adjustment. We reshape the denture so it follows the contours of your mouth. If the problem is minor, this can sometimes be done during your visit.
- Soft reline. A pliable liner adds cushioning. It is often used for sensitive gums or when dentures are only a few months old, and it needs more frequent touch-ups.
- Hard reline. A resin that sets like the denture base resurfaces the side that touches the gums. It is more permanent than a soft reline and is usually chosen for full dentures.
- Temporary reline. A soft material that helps very sore, red gums recover before a new denture or hard reline.
- Rebase. We replace the acrylic base while keeping the teeth, a good option when the teeth are in good shape but the base has fractured or worn down.
Why relining is needed
After tooth loss, the gums and jawbone naturally reshape. The bone under the gums also shrinks gradually with age, so dentures loosen. Adhesives can hide the problem for a while, but they do not fix it. Relining and rebasing keep your denture teeth and adjust only the base for a more secure fit. We examine the dentures and your mouth first, and may take new impressions. A chairside reline can be done during the appointment, and a lab reline may be ready as soon as the next day. You can usually go back to your routine right away, although the new fit can feel slightly sore for a few days.
Stains and everyday care
Dentures stain like natural teeth, especially near the base. A cleaning solution at home helps, and we can polish them in the office. Avoid bleach, which weakens the structure and breaks down the materials. For daily habits, see our denture care guide.
Home repair kits are only a short-term stopgap. Trying to fix dentures yourself often does more damage. Call us instead, and read what to do if you damage your dentures.
Common questions
Can I fix my dentures at home?
It is best to leave repairs to a professional. If you use an over-the-counter kit, follow the directions closely and treat it as temporary until you can see us.
How can I avoid cracks and chips?
Handle and clean your dentures over a soft towel, never directly over the sink or counter, and avoid biting hard foods.
Can I avoid adjustments entirely?
Most people need one at some point. Good care reduces how often, but normal wear and changes in your mouth can still call for them.
Will relining change how I speak or eat?
You may notice small differences at first. They fade with a little practice.
What if my partial denture for one missing tooth loosens?
Call us for an adjustment. Do not push or move it around with your tongue, since that can loosen it further.