Denture Relines and Repairs in Aurora

What it is

Dentures are tough, but they are not unbreakable. A fall onto a bathroom floor can snap the pink base, and a tooth can pop off after years of chewing. Even when nothing breaks, the fit changes. The bone and gums under a denture slowly shrink after teeth are lost, so a denture that once felt snug can start to slip, rub or trap food.

A repair fixes damage to the denture itself. That might mean joining a cracked base, replacing a missing or chipped tooth, or fixing a broken clasp on a partial. A reline is different. It adds a fresh layer of material to the side that touches your gums, so the denture matches the current shape of your mouth again. A rebase goes a step further and replaces the whole pink base while keeping the same teeth.

Some relines are done chairside with a material that sets in the mouth. Others start with an impression taken inside your own denture, which is then processed. Repairs often need laboratory work too. Your dentist will tell you which approach fits, how long you may be without your denture, and whether a new one would serve you better.

Please do not glue a broken denture at home. Household glues can irritate your gums and often leave the pieces slightly out of line, which can make a proper repair harder. Bring every piece to us, wrapped in a soft cloth.

Is it right for me?

• Your denture has a crack, a chip or a split through the base.
• A tooth has come off your denture or is wobbly.
• You need more and more adhesive to keep your denture in place.
• Food slips under the denture, or it rocks when you bite.
• You have new sore spots after months of wearing it comfortably.
• It has been a few months since you got immediate dentures after extractions.

Step by step

1. Tell us what happenedWhen you call or send a request, describe the damage or the problem with the fit. If the denture broke, bring all the pieces.
2. Check your mouth and dentureYour dentist looks at your gums for sore spots or irritation and examines the denture for cracks, wear and how well it still fits.
3. Agree on the plan and timingWe explain whether a repair, reline or rebase suits your denture, how long the work takes and whether you will be without it for a time.
4. Impression or repairFor a reline, a soft impression material is placed inside your denture and you close gently while it sets. For a repair, the pieces or the damaged area are prepared.
5. Fit and fine-tuneWhen the denture is ready, we check how it sits, test your bite and smooth any area that presses on your gums.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

The fee for a denture repair or reline depends on what the denture needs once we have examined it, and we use the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. Many insurance plans include repairs and relines, though some limit how often a reline is covered. The Canadian Dental Care Plan lists denture repairs, relines and rebases among its covered services for eligible people, and IFHP may also apply. We bill all insurance plans directly. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program, and we'll explain your payment options. You get a written estimate before any work begins.

What shapes your estimate

• Whether you need a repair, a reline or a rebase
• How many teeth or clasps need replacing
• Whether the reline is done chairside or processed
• The type of denture: full, partial or implant-supported
• Any sore spots or gum problems that need care first

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• Handle your denture over a folded towel or a sink partly filled with water, so a slip does not cause a break.
• Clean it daily with a soft brush and mild soap or denture cleaner, not regular toothpaste.
• Take it out at night and keep it in water so it does not dry out and warp.
• Call us if a sore spot does not settle within a few days after a reline.

Questions