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You use your dentures every day for a variety of important functions. And because they’re so significant in your daily life, you want them to serve at their full potential. But there occasionally comes a time when they no longer fit just right. That’s when you should see a prosthodontist about getting them relined. Regular visits to a prosthodontist are recommended to ensure your dentures are performing properly.
The office of Derrick Williamson DDS MS PC restores dental problems and helps patients understand the connection between their oral health and the well-being of their entire body. We listen to our patients’ concerns so we can understand their goals and needs. We then put together a personalized treatment plan that makes their teeth healthy and them happy.
As the years pass since your initial fitting, the soft tissues and bones of your jaw can change and make your dentures feel uncomfortable. The alternations can cause ulcers, irritation, fungal infections and the overgrowth of oral tissue. Even dentures that are well cared for can need to be relined. To maintain the health of your gums and bones, the American College of Prosthodontists says that dentures should be replaced or relined every five to 10 years.
Relining dentures involves adding material to their inner plates so they are in physical harmony with the changes in the tissues and bones on top of which they lie. If a slight adjustment is all that’s needed, your prosthodontist can probably fix them in his (or her) office. If the adjustment is much more involved, he’ll take impressions and send the dentures to a dental lab. You’ll be without them for several days.
Denture wearers should see their prosthodontist every 12 months so he can monitor any changes in the soft and hard tissues of your oral cavity. It’s not unusual for dentures to need to be remade after five to 10 years, when they tend to lose their fit. If your dentures no longer fit well, refrain from any do-it-yourself fixes, such as using more adhesive. Your prosthodontist will decide what the next step should be.
The office of Derrick Williamson DDS MS PC is committed to helping patients by using empathy, patience and a broad spectrum of knowledge. Our professionals are dedicated to the care and comfort of every patient. For more information about our array of services, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.
By Derrick Williamson DDS MS PC
July 27, 2022
