If your dentures are loose you should visit a Dentist or Clinical Dental Technician.
When natural teeth are lost the bone beneath your gums will shrink and change shape. This happens quickly in the months following the extraction of teeth and then slows, but it is a process that continues through life and can be accelerated by other factors such as illness.

If your dentures are relatively new (less than five years old) it may be possible to reline them. A reline is when a new layer of plastic is added to the surface of the denture that contacts the gums to improve the fit.

Sometimes a soft silicone reline material is used to line dentures if your gums are sensitive or tender. This can help by providing a cushioning effect and is called a Soft Lining. This can be incorporated as a part of a new denture or added as a reline at a later date. Because of their structure soft linings are not as durable as hard denture plastic, this means that they need to be replaced periodically. This replacement does involve a cost and should be taken into account when opting for a soft lining.

If your dentures are five years old or more it may be worth considering a new set. This is because just as the gums shrink, the surfaces of the artificial teeth will also wear over time. In combination this can effect how your teeth meet together making them less stable.

It is also worth considering dental implants, which can provide secure retention by allowing your denture to clip into place. This can help to improve your choice of foods and confidence when you go out for meals.

If you wear partial dentures or have any remaining natural teeth or roots it is important to have regular dental check ups by your dentist. It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene and not wear your denture at night, unless specifically advised otherwise (such as immediately following an extraction). Even if you have no remaining natural teeth it is still important to have regular dental health check ups. This allows us to monitor the fit and wear of your dentures; it also allows us to check the health of your mouth and surrounding structures. We also offer a professional cleaning service, which uses a special machine and process to remove the difficult stains and deposits that build up over time, no matter how well you clean your dentures at home. The process takes less than an hour and can literally be done whilst you wait. Something simple that can make your dentures appear almost as new! Here are some other tips:

• When using proprietary cleaning agents at home always follow the manufacturers instructions
• Never clean or remove your dentures over an empty sink as the surface is very hard if you drop them
• If you notice any small cracks develop in your denture visit the practice as soon as is practicable
• Take special care with dentures that have metal parts as these parts can bend, meaning that your denture will no longer fit
• If your dentures become loose, painful or offer any concern then contact us immediately