If you’ve noticed your dentures have changed or are not fitting as well, there could be several reasons why. Many things can contribute to a change in how your dentures fit, such as weight loss, weight gain, an illness, a new medication, or a significant change in your daily habits or diet.
 
If you’ve had your dentures for more than five years, it’s possible you need new dentures. Your gums and the bone underneath can change shape throughout your life, as a result, dentures that were made to fit your mouth several years ago may no longer fit comfortably.
 
Frequently we see folks try to compensate for this by using more denture adhesive, not wearing their dentures at all, or they try to fix them by buying temporary liners or "fix" them by other methods. None of these things are a good idea. (See our blog on why “what to do if your dentures break.”)
 
If you think your dentures no longer feel right, if they are moving in your mouth or even falling out, we recommend you contact us right away and come in for an evaluation. In most cases we may be able to reline your existing dentures for a better fit, or if that is not an option, recommend new dentures. Read more about relining here.
 
If you currently wear dentures, you know that they don't really replace your missing teeth.  If you have had your denture for five or more years, they most likely need a reline.  When you have your natural teeth a bone in your jaw helps hold and support those teeth, and that same bone is used by your denture for support and suction.  If your natural teeth have been removed, your body realizes that the bone is no longer necessary, and over time it will begin to recede.  Over the years, as that bone is lost, the support for your denture diminishes. This means your denture has less and less support and no longer fits the way it did when new. 
 
One option is to put something back into the bone.  For this we recommend a dental implant which will preserve your natural bone, so you don’t lose that support.  It will also keep your face looking more youthful.  The implant can also be used to support your denture, keeping it stable and stopping the movement and floating that can occur after several years of wearing regular dentures. Dental implants can be a great option for many patients. To learn more we recommend visiting a recent blog post by the Puyallup Oral Surgery Center.
 
Here at Berlanga Dentures we can help provide all the options for you, and help you determine what’s best for your situation and budget.
 
We can also assist even if you didn’t get your dentures from us originally.
 
We recommend you contact us today, so we can set up an appointment to find the right solution for you.

• Always try to remove and rinse your dentures after you eat.  Fill the sink with water and run water over your dentures to remove any food debris. You can place a towel nearby or in the sink to avoid damaging your teeth if you drop them.
• Handle your dentures carefully.
• Always clean your mouth after you remove your dentures. Use a soft toothbrush or gauze to clean any natural teeth, tongue, cheeks and the roof of your mouth (palate). If used, remove any remaining denture adhesive from your gums.
• Brush your dentures at least once a day. Remove and gently clean your dentures daily using a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque and other deposits. We recommend Sparkledent or antibacterial soap and water. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums. Never use denture cleansers inside your mouth.
• Soak your dentures overnight. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. We recommend Sparkledent or Polident. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the cleaning and soaking solution you choose. There are also simple storage cups for soaking, or some that assist with cleaning while your dentures soak.
• Always rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if you are using a denture-soaking solution. These solutions can contain harmful chemicals if swallowed.
• See your denturist if you have a loose fit. If your dentures become loose contact us right away. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores and infection.
• See your denturist right away if your dentures break, and don’t try to fix them on your own
  

What to Avoid:

• Abrasive cleaning materials. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, and do not use any type of toothpaste, whiteners or bleach to clean your dentures. These products are too abrasive and can damage your dentures.
• Hot water. Avoid very hot or boiling water which can warp your dentures.

First, don’t panic. Although a broken denture can be frustrating and a bit disconcerting, keep in mind that it is a common occurrence. You are certainly not alone, according to the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, there will be around 37 ½ million people wearing full dentures by the year 2020.
 
If you’ve broken a denture, Berlanga Dentures is here to help. Our repairs are very reasonable, we take walk-in repairs, and we can fix your dentures even if you didn’t purchase them through us.
 
What NOT to do When Your Dentures Break
Often people will try to repair, or temporarily mend their dentures at home.  This is not a good idea, as you will make it impossible for your denturist to repair them.  Do Not:  super glue, sand, or try to fix the denture with a file or tool. These interventions will damage the surface of the denture which makes it non-repairable. You will have to purchase new dentures.
 
What to Do When Your Dentures Break
Check to see exactly what has broken on your dentures. There are a few different ways your dentures can break: a piece of the pink acrylic might fall off, the denture could break in half, or a tooth can break, crack or fall out.
 
Call Us! – If you’ve discovered you’ve broken your denture the first thing you need to do is call us (or stop into one of our three locations), explain the situation, and identify the portion of your denture that has broken.
 
Beware of Denture Repair Kits
You can sometimes find “denture repair kits” in your local drug store, which are intended for emergency repair, but we highly discourage this. Most of these kits include a bonding material, and some may also contain temporary replacement teeth. While they may claim to be able to fix cracks, they too could damage or alter the surface of your denture making it impossible to repair.
 
Call or Come See Us Right Away!
We will repair your dentures and make any adjustments needed to ensure that your teeth fit comfortably and are fully functional once again. Yes, we take Walk-in Repairs!
 
How to Avoid Broken Dentures
It is important for us to point out that prevention is a key part of avoiding repairs and replacements. Your dentures will last longer and stay damage-free if cared for correctly. Make sure you are keeping your dentures clean, brush them regularly, rinse well, and soak them overnight. (See our blog post on how to clean your dentures.) When brushing your dentures, fill the sink with water, so if you do drop them, they have a softer impact and are less likely to break.
 
When was the last time you saw a highly qualified denturist? If it has been awhile since you’ve given your smile the attention it deserves, it may be time to make an appointment. Contact us soon to set up an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Tacoma, Puyallup or Parkland, WA. Our denturists are experts in their fields and can ensure that you have comfortable, well-functioning, and natural looking dentures that last a lifetime.