Dentures and other prosthetics require repairs and adjustments to correct issues, such as poor alignment, cracks, and broken clasps. If your practice provides partial dentures, you can work with a dental lab to make necessary corrections. Labs have the equipment and specialized personnel required to handle such services and also offer expert advice for your in-house teams. Here are some tips for repairing and adjusting dentures:
Identify the Issue
Repairing and adjusting partial dentures involves reviewing the original impressions, patient information, and prosthetics to identify the problem. Issues range from broken clasps and cracks to discomfort caused by improper fit and occlusion. You can examine the denture for physical damage, such as a broken or cracked base or a loose or broken clasp. The issue may be something minor, like a tiny crack, or major, like a lost or detached tooth. Review the original documentation and compare it with the denture to identify subtle structural changes. Structural changes cause chewing and speaking problems, pain, discomfort, and sores.
Document the discussion with the patient to capture the symptoms and concerns. Take new scans of the prosthetic and impressions of your patient’s teeth and gum. The dental lab needs this information to identify where the error exists. While some issues can be corrected using dental repair kits, dental labs are best suited to handle major repairs and remakes. Bending loose clasps and recommending denture adhesive for gum shrinkage only provide temporary relief. Sending the prosthetic to the lab can provide more effective relining and repairs for long-term functionality and relief.
Partner With a Dental Laboratory
Some denture issues, such as pressure points and sore spots, can be relieved through minor in-house adjustments using small burs. Be careful not to over-adjust, as this can alter the fit and cause more issues. If the clasp is loose but still intact, you can bend it back into place using gentle techniques. Avoid over-manipulation to prevent weakening the metal. Send the denture to the lab if you have repeated issues with clasp retention. Partnering with a dental lab gives you access to expert relining and new fabrications for a more stable, long-lasting fit. Large cracks and breaks require complex remakes achieved using specialized CAD/CAM systems.
If the denture has a cracked or broken base, send it to the lab for reinforcements or new remakes. Issues like detached teeth require special bonding techniques and precise alignment, which are achievable only by a lab. Broken clasps also require new fabrications or modifications done by dental labs. The labs review your documentation of the patient’s impressions and compare it with the original records. After review, the lab determines whether relining kits and adjusting techniques will achieve the desired results. They also source materials to remake the dentures based on the new impressions.
Establish Clear Feedback
Clear communication with your dental lab and patients is required to achieve the desired results. The dental lab needs detailed instructions and documentation to fabricate fitting prosthetics. Provide as much information about the original denture, your patient’s symptoms, and issues you’ve identified. If the denture requires realigning, liaise with the lab to take high-quality impressions using advanced digital scanners. Accurate impressions reduce the need for adjustments.
Discuss the occlusal issues, post-repair adjustments, and turnaround times to optimize follow-up appointments with your patients. Schedule regular check-ups to identify early signs of wear and discomfort and have them fixed before they become major problems. Work with the dental lab to identify the proper preventative maintenance regimen your patients should follow to extend the longevity of their dentures.
Fabricate Quality Partial Dentures Today
Fabricating prosthetics like dentures, bridges, and crowns calls for specialized equipment and experienced lab technicians. Working with a dental lab will help you make precise prosthetics that meet your client’s needs. Contact a reputable dental lab today to start fabricating, repairing, and adjusting partial dentures.
