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Port Dover Family Dentistry
A cracked or loose denture can often be fixed. Townsend denture wearers can learn when a repair or reline helps and what to do until it is assessed.
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Dentures can crack if dropped, lose a tooth or gradually loosen as the gums and bone beneath them change shape. A loose denture can rub, cause sores and make eating and speaking harder. Repairs fix breaks and missing teeth, while relines reshape the fitting surface so the denture sits more snugly on your gums.
If your denture has broken or started slipping, call our Port Dover office from Townsend to describe the problem. The dentist can check whether a repair or reline is suitable, whether the denture is near the end of its useful life and what to do in the meantime to stay comfortable.

Signs of trouble
Visible cracks, chips, missing teeth or a broken clasp on a partial denture are clear signs that repair is needed. Even a small crack can spread under biting forces. Sharp edges can cut the cheek or tongue. If the denture has broken into pieces, keep them together and bring them all to the appointment.
A denture that moves when you talk or chew, needs more adhesive than before, traps food underneath or causes sore spots may no longer fit your gums well. These changes are normal over time as the tissues remodel. A reline can often improve fit without making a completely new denture.
What not to do
It can be tempting to use superglue or a home kit, but these can damage the denture material, create an uneven fit and irritate the gums. They may also make a professional repair harder or impossible. Bring the denture to the office as it is, even if that means managing without it briefly.
If you cannot wear the denture, eat soft foods and keep your mouth clean by rinsing and gently brushing the gums. If a sore spot has developed, leaving the denture out for a short period may help it heal. Contact the office if a sore lasts more than a couple of weeks.
Repair or reline
Cracks, fractures and missing teeth can often be repaired by bonding new material or replacing the tooth. The dentist will examine the denture and your mouth to check whether the break was caused by poor fit, which may also need addressing. Ask how long the repair is likely to take so you can plan.
A reline adds new material to the fitting surface so it matches the current shape of your gums. Hard relines are durable, while soft relines use a more cushioned material for people with sensitive tissues. If the denture is worn, very old or repeatedly breaking, a new denture may be more sensible.
Preventing problems
Clean dentures over a folded towel or a basin of water so they do not break if dropped. Use a soft brush and a denture cleaner rather than regular toothpaste, which can scratch. Store them in water or solution when not worn to prevent warping, and keep them away from pets and children.
Even without obvious problems, have your dentures and gums checked regularly, ideally once a year or as the dentist advises. The dentist can look for sore spots, signs of infection and gradual changes in fit, and examine the soft tissues of your mouth for anything unusual. Catching fit issues early makes relines simpler and helps prevent a sudden break.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office at 519-583-2929 and explain what has happened to the denture, whether it broke or loosened, and how long you have had it. The team will discuss the next step.
Bring the denture and all pieces in a sealed bag or container, and mention any sore spots or difficulty eating.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Many cracks and missing teeth can be repaired, but extensive damage or a very old, worn denture may be better replaced. The dentist will examine it and explain which approach makes more sense for your situation.
It varies with how quickly your gums change. Many denture wearers need relines at intervals over the years. Regular checkups help the dentist recommend when a reline would improve comfort and fit.
Adhesive can help some people, but needing more and more is a sign the fit has changed. A reline or adjustment may be more effective. Ask the dentist before relying heavily on adhesive.
No. Household glues and home repair kits can damage the denture, irritate the gums and make professional repair difficult. Bring the denture to the office instead, even if it is in pieces.
A hard reline uses durable material for a firm, lasting fit. A soft reline uses a cushioned material that may suit sensitive gums but generally needs replacing sooner. The dentist can recommend which suits you.
Dentures can restore chewing and appearance after tooth loss. Townsend residents can learn what to expect from planning, fitting and adjusting to dentures.
Missing several teeth or all of them? Townsend residents can compare complete and partial dentures and learn what fitting and adjustment involve.
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New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. Tell us how we can help and our Port Dover dental team will follow up with you.
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