Dentures that once fit perfectly can become loose, uncomfortable, or damaged over time. Your jawbone and gum tissue change shape gradually after tooth loss, and everyday wear creates stress on denture materials. At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we provide professional denture relines that restore a precise fit and denture repairs that fix cracks, broken teeth, and damaged clasps — often on the same day. For patients who feel anxious about dental visits or have a strong gag reflex that makes impressions difficult, our sedation options ensure a comfortable experience from start to finish.
Denture relines and repairs are two distinct services that address different problems — but both are essential for keeping your dentures comfortable, functional, and long-lasting.
A denture reline reshapes the interior surface of the denture — the part that sits against your gums. Over time, your jawbone and gum tissue gradually change shape through a natural process called bone resorption. Even well-made dentures eventually lose their precise fit as the underlying tissue changes beneath them. A reline adds new material to the interior surface, re-adapting the denture to the current contours of your mouth. This restores suction, eliminates rocking and slipping, reduces sore spots, and makes eating and speaking comfortable again.
A denture repair fixes physical damage to the denture itself — cracks in the base, broken or chipped teeth, fractured clasps on partial dentures, or loose teeth that have separated from the base. Damage can result from dropping the denture, normal wear and fatigue of materials, or biting forces that exceed the denture's structural limits.
Both services extend the useful life of your existing dentures, saving you the cost and adjustment period of a complete replacement. In many cases, a well-timed reline or repair can add years of comfortable service to dentures that still have plenty of life left in them.
Sedation options ensure comfort for every patient — especially those with a sensitive gag reflex or dental anxiety.
Your jawbone begins to remodel as soon as teeth are removed. In the first year after extractions, bone loss is most rapid — which is why dentures made immediately after extractions often need their first reline within 3-6 months. After the first year, bone resorption continues at a slower but steady rate, typically requiring a reline every 1-2 years to maintain optimal fit.
Signs that your dentures need a reline include loose or sliding dentures that no longer stay in place, increased need for denture adhesive to get through the day, sore spots or irritation on your gums, difficulty chewing foods you used to eat comfortably, dentures that rock or tip when you bite, and changes in your speech or clicking sounds when you talk.
Ignoring a poor-fitting denture doesn't just cause discomfort — it accelerates bone loss. When dentures rock and slide, the uneven pressure actually speeds up bone resorption, making the fit worse faster. A timely reline breaks this cycle by distributing pressure evenly across the ridge again.
Three options to match your situation — from immediate relief to long-lasting restoration.
Dentures endure significant daily stress — biting forces, temperature changes, accidental drops, and the gradual fatigue of materials over years of use. Common issues we repair include cracked or fractured denture bases, teeth that have broken off or chipped, loose or detached teeth, broken clasps on partial dentures, worn or rough spots on the fitting surface, and broken or damaged denture teeth.
Most repairs can be completed on the same day — often within a few hours. For more complex repairs like replacing multiple teeth or rebuilding a fractured base, laboratory work may be needed, typically with a 1-2 day turnaround.
If your denture breaks, resist the temptation to repair it yourself with over-the-counter glue. Commercial adhesives are not designed for oral use, can be toxic, and almost always result in a poor fit that causes further damage. Bring the broken pieces to our office and let us restore it properly.
After a reline, proper care helps your dentures maintain their new fit and last longer. Remove and rinse your dentures after eating to remove food debris. Brush your dentures daily with a soft denture brush and denture cleanser — never use regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive and can scratch the surface. Soak your dentures overnight in water or denture solution to keep them hydrated and maintain their shape.
Also brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth before reinserting your dentures each morning. This removes bacteria and stimulates blood circulation in your gum tissue. Attend regular dental check-ups every 6 months so we can monitor the fit of your dentures, check for tissue changes, and screen for oral health issues including oral cancer.
If you notice your dentures starting to feel loose or uncomfortable again, don't wait — schedule a reline appointment before the poor fit causes tissue irritation or accelerates bone loss.
With proper care and regular relines, a well-made set of dentures can last 5-8 years or more. Handle your dentures carefully — always hold them over a folded towel or basin of water when cleaning, in case they slip from your hands. Never use hot water on dentures, as it can warp the acrylic base. Avoid biting into very hard foods like ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels that can crack teeth or stress the base.
Store your dentures in water or denture solution whenever they're not in your mouth. Dry storage allows the acrylic to dry out and potentially warp or crack. If you have partial dentures with metal clasps, handle them gently and avoid bending the clasps, which can weaken and eventually break them.
Schedule reline appointments proactively rather than waiting until your dentures feel loose. Regular relines every 1-2 years maintain optimal fit, prevent tissue damage, and extend the overall life of your dentures.
Our patients consistently rate us 5 stars for gentle, anxiety-free care. Read verified patient experiences on Google.
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