About Denture Repair
Denture repair addresses damage or wear to existing removable partial or full dentures. At Alameda Dental in Aurora, CO, we help patients restore the function and comfort of their dentures when accidents happen or when gradual changes in fit cause problems.
Common issues that lead to repair include cracks through the base, broken or missing teeth, loose clasps on partial dentures, and worn chewing surfaces. In many cases, a prompt professional repair can extend the life of a denture and help you avoid the cost and adjustment period of a full replacement.
Our practice is located at 14591 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012. If your denture is damaged, call us at (303) 343-7072. We will examine your denture and explain whether a repair is the best solution for your situation.
Common Denture Repairs We Perform
We routinely repair the following types of denture damage:
- Cracks or fractures in the acrylic base
- Broken or loosened teeth on the denture
- Bent or broken clasps on partial dentures
- Worn or flattened chewing surfaces that affect function
- Irritation from poor fit, which often requires a reline or rebase
We do not recommend attempting any repair at home. Over-the-counter glues and repair kits can contain harmful chemicals, often produce weak bonds, and may permanently damage the denture beyond professional help.
If you have any pieces that have broken off, bring them with you. Even small fragments can sometimes be used to reattach a tooth or rebuild a section.
What to Expect During Your Repair Visit
When you come to Alameda Dental for a denture repair, your visit generally follows these steps:
- Examination: We inspect the damage to the denture and also check the condition of your gums and any remaining teeth. This helps us understand if the denture caused irritation or if changes in your mouth contributed to the problem.
- Discussion of options: We explain what can be repaired and whether the repair is likely to be durable. If the damage is too severe, we may recommend a new denture instead.
- Repair or lab instructions: For minor repairs—such as a single tooth replacement or a small crack—we can often complete the work in our office while you wait. More extensive breaks, relines, or rebasing typically require sending the denture to a dental laboratory. We will give you a timeline after we evaluate the damage.
- Delivery and adjustment: Once the repair is complete, we check the fit and make any final adjustments to ensure the denture feels stable and comfortable. We also review care instructions to help you protect the repair.
If your repair requires lab work, we understand being without your denture can be difficult. We will discuss any temporary options if the wait is more than a day.
Aftercare and Extending the Life of Your Denture
After a denture repair, follow these guidelines to maintain the result:
- Handle your denture carefully. Clean it over a soft surface or a towel to cushion a fall.
- Clean your denture daily with a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the material.
- Soak your denture overnight in water or a denture-soaking solution to prevent it from drying out and warping.
- Never use hot or boiling water, which can permanently distort the shape.
- Attend regular dental check-ups so we can monitor the fit and catch small problems before they lead to breakage.
Proper care helps a repair last longer, but no repair makes a denture as strong as when it was new. We will give you a realistic expectation of durability based on the type of damage and repair performed.
Benefits and Realistic Considerations
Repairing a damaged denture offers several advantages:
- Quick restoration of function: You can often return to eating and speaking normally sooner than with a replacement.
- Cost savings: Repairs frequently cost less than a new denture, especially if the damage is isolated.
- Comfort improvement: A reline or rebase can eliminate sore spots and improve stability without starting over.
However, repair is not always the right choice. Some limitations to keep in mind:
- A repaired denture may be more prone to future breaks in the same area.
- Extensive damage or a very old denture may mean a new prosthetic is a better long-term investment.
- Color matching can be close but may not be perfect, especially on older dentures with material changes.
Our team will give you an honest assessment so you can decide what makes sense for your situation and budget.
Cost and Insurance for Denture Repairs
The cost of denture repair depends on the complexity of the damage, the materials needed, and whether laboratory work is required. A simple tooth replacement costs less than a full rebase.
We will provide a written cost estimate after we evaluate your denture. This estimate includes any laboratory fees and the time needed for fitting and adjustment. We never proceed without your approval.
We will verify your benefits before treatment and explain what portion is covered. To get a personalized estimate, call our office at (303) 343-7072.
Your Safety and Comfort
We follow strict infection control standards, including sterilization of all instruments and disinfection of surfaces. Your health and safety are our top priorities.
During a denture repair visit, most procedures require little to no anesthesia. If your gums are sore from an ill-fitting denture, we can apply a topical numbing gel to keep you comfortable while we assess the fit.
We understand that dental visits can cause anxiety for some patients. Our team is trained to work at a pace that keeps you at ease. Let us know if you have any concerns, and we will adjust our approach accordingly.
Request Your Appointment
Alameda Dental is accepting new patients. Contact us today to request your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Dental Terminology
- Full Denture
- A removable prosthetic that replaces all teeth in the upper or lower arch.
- Partial Denture
- A removable prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth using clasps that attach to remaining natural teeth.
- Implant-Supported Denture
- A denture anchored to two or more dental implants for improved stability and retention.
- Reline
- The process of resurfacing the tissue-contacting side of a denture to restore fit as the jaw changes shape.
- Rebase
- Replacement of the entire base of a denture while preserving the original teeth.
- Flange
- The part of a denture that extends over the gum tissue and helps maintain stability.
- Immediate Denture
- A denture placed immediately after tooth extraction so the patient is never without teeth.
- Denture Adhesive
- A paste, powder, or strip used to help secure dentures and create a tighter seal with the gums.