Teeth problems, particularly teeth loss, have a significant impact on a person’s confidence. Everyday actions such as smiling, eating and talking become difficult and can affect how a person behaves and feels. The loss of teeth is visible to the eye but can also have more damaging effects to the jawbone. Jawbone deterioration occurs when a tooth is extracted and a replacement isn’t fitted where the former tooth would be.
Teeth are crucial for jawbone stimulation, therefore their absence may cause serious concerns. If teeth have been removed and not replaced the body (often) begins to repel the jawbone, acting as though it no longer needs it to function, causing jaw resorption. Resorption results in facial collapse and weakened facial muscles.
This being said, there are solutions to avoid the above! Seeking dentures when a tooth has been lost or extracted can prevent jaw resorption and possible additional problems. Dentures work to replace the functions of the missing teeth, as well as to keep the jaw, mouth, and facial structure intact.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic or false teeth that a professional dentist fits into a patient’s mouth in case of teeth loss. Teeth can be lost in various ways, from an injury, gum disease, tooth decay, and the like. Some dentures are fixed to the gums permanently whilst other options are removable. Dentures are a long-term solution for lost teeth, however, as with any other medical device, they too require routine checks and repairs.
What Is A Denture Repair?
To put it simply, denture repair is the fixing of damaged dentures. The repairs are carried out by a group of skilled technicians in dental laboratories, under the instructions of a qualified dentist. A thorough inspection of the broken dentures is required before a dental practitioner can recommend a list of necessary repairs. Nowadays the availability for dental repairs is much broader and there are a host of locations to book into for a service appointment. A simple online search will display dental services nearby, offering a speedy resolution to all denture problems. Common denture damages such as a cracked denture base, tooth, or broken partial denture clasps can all be fixed by a dental lab.
How Do Dentures Damage?
Dentures are created from durable materials that have been specifically designed to sustain for long periods of time. As dentures perform such a primary function for a patient, they are prone to unavoidable everyday wear and tear that may cause them to weaken and eventually damage. Jawbone changes as a patient age can also lead to adjustments with denture fittings, causing the dentures to alter slightly. Minor issues such as a tooth breaking or popping out of a denture set will impact how it fits in a patient’s mouth, ultimately causing discomfort. Factors such as those outlined could lead to denture destruction and warrant repairs as soon as possible.
Types Of Denture Repairs
Some dentures require significant repairs while others only require minor work. Outlined below are the most common repair types.
● Denture Realigning
Denture realignment is the most common type of repair and focuses on fixing the denture fit. The realignment process ensures that the dentures hold onto the gums comfortably, without causing distress. In most cases, patients require this service as they notice that their dentures no longer feel as comfortable to wear as they used to, and/or their dentures feel too big for them.
● Denture Rebasing
The base of a denture set is pink-colored and it’s primary role is to mimic the shape of the patient’s gums. Dentists suggest that the denture base is the most important element of the denture as it is responsible for holding the false teeth in place, as well as fitting over a patient’s gums when the dentures are being positioned.
The denture base is prone to breaking thus the need for dentures rebasing from time to time can be required. Denture rebasing involves setting up the teeth on an entirely new base to ensure they remain in the best possible position. Patients often compare a rebasing to a new denture set as the comfort can be felt instantly.
● Denture Adjustment
With time and age, jaws and facial structure evolve. It is not uncommon for dentures to suddenly feel painful, or uncomfortable, which is often a consequence of mouth changes. If a patient feels sore on their gums, a probable cause is the dentures rubbing and they should seek assistance from a dentist immediately.
Conclusion
Dentures are often deemed as necessary if a patient is missing teeth. They allow a patient to carry out everyday activities, such as eating, speaking and smiling, as they normally would and feel confident in their appearance. This being said, as with natural teeth, they are prone to wear and tear. Fortunately, dental labs exist to assist with any required repairs. A quick online search for denture repairs nearby will highlight the closest places to visit, that will fix a smile and eliminate any pain in no time!
