Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.

Port Dover Family Dentistry
A cracked or loose denture can make eating difficult. Cultus patients can learn when a repair or reline helps, why home kits are risky and how to plan a visit.
Let’s get you smiling
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Cultus patients at our office in Port Dover
Browse every dental service for CultusRestoring fit and function
Dentures can crack, lose a tooth or gradually become loose as the gums and bone beneath them change shape. A loose denture may rub, trap food or move when you talk. Repairs and relines are ways to restore comfort and function without always needing a brand-new appliance.
For Cultus residents, it is worth calling our Port Dover office before you travel to describe the problem with your denture. The team can explain whether it is likely to need a repair, reline or assessment, and how long you may be without it while the work is done.

Spotting problems
If your denture slips when you eat or speak, needs more adhesive than before or leaves sore spots, the fit may have changed. Gums and bone naturally shrink over time, especially after extractions. Ongoing rubbing can lead to irritation or ulcers, so it is better to have the fit checked than to keep adjusting with adhesive.
A crack across the base, a broken clasp on a partial denture or a tooth that has come off are common repair reasons. Even a small crack can grow. Keep any broken pieces and bring them with you. Avoid using household glue, which can damage the material and irritate your mouth. Glued repairs are also harder for a lab to fix properly.
Repair or reline
Repairs fix breaks, replace missing teeth or reattach broken clasps. Some simple repairs can be completed fairly quickly, while others need laboratory work. The dentist will examine the denture and explain whether it can be repaired successfully or whether its age and condition suggest that replacement may be more sensible. Repeated breaks often point to a fit problem underneath.
A reline adds new material to the fitting surface of the denture so it matches the current shape of your gums. A soft reline uses a cushioned material and may help sensitive tissues. A hard reline is more durable. Ask which type suits your situation and how the process works. Soft relines usually need renewing more often.
The appointment
Before repairing or relining, the dentist examines your gums for sore spots, infection or changes that need attention. They check the bite and look at the denture teeth for wear. Problems such as thrush or irritation may need treatment before a reline is done so the new surface fits healthy tissue. Leaving the denture out for a while beforehand can help.
Depending on the work required, you may need to leave the denture for a period. Ask about expected timing when you book so you can plan meals and activities. Some relines can be done during a single visit, while laboratory relines may need more time. If you have a spare denture, bring it so you are not without teeth while the work is done.
After the work
After a reline, the denture may feel tighter or different for a few days. Small sore spots can appear and are often relieved with minor adjustments. Contact the office rather than trying to file or alter the denture yourself, which could damage the fit or the material permanently. Note where it rubs so the spot can be found quickly.
Clean the denture daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner, and handle it over a folded towel or basin of water to prevent breaks if dropped. Take it out overnight unless advised otherwise. Regular checkups help the dentist catch fit problems before they cause discomfort or damage. They also include a check of the soft tissues.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office to describe the problem with your denture. The team can explain whether it sounds like a repair, reline or assessment and how long it may take.
Bring the denture and any broken pieces in a clean container. Mention if you have a backup denture you could wear while work is completed.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Household glues are not safe for dentures and may damage the material or irritate your gums. Bring the denture and any broken pieces to the office for a proper repair. Wrap pieces carefully so they do not chip further.
It varies as gums and bone change over time. Many people need relines periodically. Regular checkups allow the dentist to assess fit and recommend a reline when it is needed, before sore spots or rubbing develop.
Soft relines can be more comfortable for sensitive gums but may need replacing sooner. Hard relines are more durable. The dentist will suggest the type that suits your mouth and needs after checking your gums.
Possibly, depending on the work needed. Some repairs and relines can be done fairly quickly, while others go to a laboratory. Ask when booking so you can plan meals and errands around the time it takes.
If a denture is old, worn, repeatedly breaking or no longer fits even after relining, a new one may be more practical. The dentist will explain the options after examining it and checking your gums.
Dentures restore chewing and smiles after loss. Cultus residents can learn how dentures are planned, what adjusting feels like and how to stay comfortable.
Missing several or all teeth? Cultus patients can compare complete and partial dentures, learn about fittings and adjustment, and plan visits to Port Dover.
Recognized year after year
Best Dentists in Norfolk
Proudly recognized among Norfolk’s top-rated dental practices for six consecutive years.

2021 Winner

2022 Winner

2023 Winner

2024 Winner

2025 Winner

2026 Winner
Stories from our patients
Watch a patient’s experience and browse more five-star reviews from people who have visited our Port Dover dental clinic.
Patient video
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
Google reviews
Swipe or use the arrows
Read all reviewsYour next visit can start today
New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. Tell us how we can help and our Port Dover dental team will follow up with you.
Evening appointments Monday and Tuesday