Why Is It Important To Have Your Dentures Professionally Repaired?
Full dentures give people back the ability to talk, eat, and speak normally after complete tooth loss. Most modern dentures are made from a type of plastic called acrylic resin. Dentures can break when dropped or handled improperly. If this happens to you, you may be tempted to purchase a repair kit and fix your dentures by yourself. However, it's usually a better choice to have your dentist fix your dentures for you. Here are four reasons to have your damaged dentures professionally repaired.
1. Preserve the fit of your dentures.
When dentures are created, they are molded to conform perfectly to the contours of your gums. Professional denture repair uses a specific process that preserves the original shape of your dentures. By using plaster molds, dentists can ensure that your dentures fit the same before and after the repair process. Home repair jobs tend to be less accurate, which can lead to denture deformities that affect the way your dentures fit in your mouth.
2. Avoid discomfort.
Ill-fitting dentures can be uncomfortable, but a poor fit is not the only possible source of denture discomfort. Sharp, jagged, or uneven places on your dentures can also irritate your lips, tongue, and gums. When dentures are repaired, additional acrylic resin is used to restore fractures. The fracture is overfilled to ensure a good bond before the excess resin is removed. Next, dentists use special tools to sand and buff away the excess resin until the repaired areas of your dentures are smooth and safe for wear.
3. Receive dentures that look as good as new.
Professional denture repair results in dentures that look as good as new. Before your dentures are pieced back together, your dentist will first carefully remove a portion of the resin from the fractured area to ensure a smooth and even join. Careful attention is given to detail to ensure that the color and luster of the repair material perfectly match the rest of your dentures. When your repaired dentures are returned to you, you may not even be able to find the original fracture if you look.
4. Prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Finally, having your dentures professionally repaired can help you keep your dentures clean and bacteria-free. One of the reasons acrylic resin is used to make dentures is because it is a non-porous material that does not encourage the growth of bacteria. Dentists will use similar non-porous material to repair your dentures, while home repair kits may use alternative adhesives with greater porosity.
For more information on damaged denture repair, contact a professional near you.