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A cracked or loose denture can often be repaired or relined. Nixon residents can learn what to bring, what not to try at home and what follows.
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Serving patients from Nixon and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NixonRestore fit and function
Dentures can crack if dropped, lose a tooth, develop worn spots or gradually loosen as the gums and bone beneath them change shape. A loose denture may rub, cause sores or make chewing and speaking harder. Repairs fix damage, while relines resurface the fitting side of the denture to improve how it sits against your gums.
For Nixon residents, an unexpected denture problem can be especially disruptive, since you may be without your teeth until the repair is done. Call our Port Dover office to describe the issue. The team can explain what kind of repair or reline may be needed and how long it might take.

Recognizing the problem
Look for cracks, chips, missing or loose teeth, sharp edges or broken clasps on a partial denture. Even a small crack can grow if it is ignored. Keep all broken pieces in a clean container. Note how the damage happened, such as a drop onto the bathroom floor, since this can help the dentist judge the strength of the remaining material.
A denture that slips while talking or eating, needs more adhesive than before, causes sore spots or traps food under it may no longer fit well. These changes often happen gradually as the jaw changes. Mention how long the problem has been developing and whether it is worse on one side. The dentist can then decide whether a reline, adjustment or replacement is best.
Avoid home fixes
Household glues are not designed for use in the mouth and can be harmful if swallowed. They may also make a proper repair more difficult or impossible, since the dentist may not be able to remove the glue cleanly. Over-the-counter repair kits can change the fit or bite. It is usually better to wait for professional repair than to risk further damage.
If you must manage without the denture for a short time, choose soft foods and cut them into small pieces. If a sharp edge is causing irritation, stop wearing the denture and call the office. Rinsing with warm salt water may soothe sore spots. Avoid filing or reshaping the denture yourself, as this can create new pressure points.
Repair or reline
Many cracks, fractures and missing teeth can be repaired by bonding new material to the denture or replacing the lost tooth. Some repairs can be completed fairly quickly, while others need to be sent out to a laboratory. Ask the team how long you may be without your denture so you can plan meals, work and any upcoming events.
A reline adds new material to the fitting surface so it matches the current shape of your gums. A soft reline uses a more cushioned material that some people find comfortable, while a hard reline is more durable. The dentist will explain which type suits your situation. If the denture is very old or worn, replacement may be suggested instead.
After the repair
After a reline or repair, the denture may feel slightly different. Wear it as advised and pay attention to any sore spots, which may need a small adjustment. Call the office if pressure areas do not settle within a few days. Wearing the denture for several hours before a follow-up visit helps the dentist see where it is rubbing.
Handle your denture over a folded towel or a basin of water to reduce the risk of breakage if it slips. Clean it daily and store it as recommended. Keep regular checkups, even without natural teeth, so the dentist can monitor the fit and examine your gums and soft tissues for changes that might need attention.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office to describe the damage or fit problem before travelling. Ask how long a repair or reline might take so you can plan your visit and arrangements without your teeth.
Bring the denture and every broken piece in a clean, sealed container. Do not glue or file anything before your appointment.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
It depends on the type of damage. Some minor repairs can be completed relatively quickly, while others need to be sent to a lab. Call the office to describe the problem so the team can give you an idea of the timing.
The jaw changes over time, so many dentures need relining periodically. The dentist will check the fit at regular visits and recommend a reline when the denture no longer sits as well as it should.
Adhesive can help with security, but relying on increasing amounts may hide a poor fit. A loose denture can cause sores and affect chewing. Have the fit checked rather than compensating with adhesive indefinitely, as the problem usually continues.
Often, yes. Broken clasps can sometimes be repaired or replaced. The dentist will assess the denture and the teeth it attaches to before recommending the best approach for your situation. Bring the denture in rather than bending the clasp yourself.
If a denture is very old, repeatedly breaking, badly worn or no longer fits even after relining, replacement may be more practical. The dentist will compare options and explain the reasons behind the recommendation in plain terms.
Thinking about dentures, or unhappy with the pair you have? Nixon patients can learn how dentures are planned, what daily life is like and when to return.
Missing several or all teeth? Nixon residents can compare complete and partial dentures, understand fittings and adjustments, and plan visits to Port Dover.
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