Denture Repairs When Dentures Warp

Although it is encouraged to do everything possible to prevent dentures from warping, dentists understand that it can still happen. The good news is that denture repairs are possible for warped dentures. This review discusses how a dentist can repair dentures that are warped.

Denture repairs: what you should know about addressing warped dentures

Denture repairs for warped teeth are usually effective in restoring their appearance and comfort. It is helpful to understand what causes dentures to warp, how they can be repaired by a dentist, when a replacement may be necessary, and what can be done in the future to prevent your dentures from warping.

What causes dentures to warp?

The most common cause of warped dentures is not soaking them at night. This leads to them becoming dry, which subsequently leads to them becoming warped or cracked. By keeping them moist, the risk of warped dentures is greatly reduced. In some cases, dentures may also become warped because they are placed in hot water. Instead, it is important to only use room temperature water when soaking them at night.

Do warped dentures require repair or replacement?

Warped dentures most often require either repair or replacement. Warped dentures do not have a comfortable fit and are more likely to come loose at an inopportune time. Whether or not repair or replacement is recommended depends upon the severity of the warping. For minor warping, a denture relining or rebasing is the best solution, whereas replacement may be recommended for more severe warping, especially if the teeth are damaged as well.

How can a dentist address warped dentures?

As mentioned, denture relining is often the recommended solution for warping. This procedure involves reshaping the underlying portion of each denture to allow for a more comfortable fit. If this is not an option, then the dentist may recommend a denture rebasing, which consists of removing the entire base of the dentures and replacing it with new acrylic material.

What is the repair process for warped dentures?

The first step in the denture repair process is to schedule a consultation. On the first visit with a dentist, they can assess the cause and severity of the warping. Based upon the severity of the warping and the problems the patient is having with the dentures, they may recommend repair (specifying the particular type that is needed) or denture replacement.

In some cases, a repair can be performed in the dentist’s office, although more times than not denture repairs for warping require sending the dentures to the laboratory to ensure the optimal fit. Once the denture repair is complete and it is sent back to the dentist’s office, the patient can come to pick them up. The dentist may provide instructions on how to care for them long-term to prevent warping in the future.