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About this treatment
What is a denture adjustment?
Denture adjustments are modifications made to removable dentures to improve their fit, comfort, and functionality. These adjustments are commonly performed by dentists, denturists or prosthodontists to address issues such as discomfort, sore spots, and changes in the mouth's structure.
When do we do denture adjustments?
- Initial Fitting: After receiving dentures, adjustments are often needed to ensure they fit comfortably. Here, the dentist can make the necessary modifications based on your feedback.
- Tissue Changes: Over time, changes in gum and bone shape can affect denture fit, causing discomfort or difficulty with chewing and speaking. Regular dental visits enable adjustments to address these issues promptly.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, dentures can wear down, leading to changes in fit, bite alignment, and potential cracks. Adjustments or repairs are needed to restore functionality and comfort.
- Improper Fit Symptoms: Symptoms like sore spots, difficulty chewing, slippage, or speech changes with dentures signal a need for adjustments. Addressing these promptly prevents discomfort and oral health issues.
How do I know if I need my Denture adjusted?
- Discomfort or Pain: If you feel discomfort, soreness, or pain while wearing dentures, it may indicate they need adjustment, especially if localized pressure points or rubbing occur.
- Looseness or Slipping: Dentures that feel loose or slip out of place during talking or eating suggest improper fit, leading to irritation, difficulty chewing, and social discomfort.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Trouble chewing certain foods or speaking clearly can result from ill-fitting dentures, requiring adjustment to restore function.
- Sore Spots or Irritation: Redness, sore spots, or irritation on gums may develop due to dentures rubbing against soft tissues, signaling the need for alignment correction.
- Changes in Facial Appearance: Poorly fitting dentures can cause changes like a sunken facial appearance, indicating inadequate support for facial muscles.
- Changes in Bite Alignment: Misalignment when closing your mouth or discomfort when biting down may indicate denture adjustment is necessary.
Is it normal to get a denture adjustment
Adjustments are a normal part of the denture-wearing experience and are necessary to ensure that the dentures fit comfortably and function effectively. If you experience any discomfort, difficulty chewing or speaking, or notice changes in the fit of your dentures, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist for evaluation and adjustment.
General Procedure
Getting a denture adjustment typically involves an evaluation by your dentist to assess discomfort or improper fit. You'll discuss any issues you're experiencing, like sore spots or difficulty chewing. The dentist then makes necessary adjustments by smoothing rough areas, modifying the denture material, and ensuring proper alignment. After adjustments, you'll test the dentures for comfort and function, with follow-up appointments scheduled as needed to maintain optimal fit and performance.
Before your appointment
Before your denture adjustment appointment, it's important to note any specific issues you've encountered, like sore spots or difficulty with chewing or speaking. This helps you communicate clearly with your dentist about your concerns. Additionally, ensure your dentures are thoroughly cleaned using a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or denture cleaner to remove debris and buildup, rinsing them well with water. Don't forget to bring your dentures with you to the appointment so the dentist can assess them directly and make any needed adjustments.
How long will the appointment be?
The duration of a denture adjustment appointment can vary based on the complexity of the adjustments needed and the dentist's approach. Generally, these appointments typically range from 30 minutes to an hour. It's advisable to check with your dentist beforehand for a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs and the condition of your dentures.
Procedure
- Assessment: Your dentist will examine your dentures and assess your oral tissues to identify areas of discomfort, sore spots, or improper fit.
- Discussion: You'll discuss any issues you've been experiencing with your dentures, such as discomfort while wearing them, difficulty chewing, or changes in speech.
- Adjustment: Based on the assessment and your feedback, the dentist will make necessary adjustments to your dentures. This may include:
- Smoothing or reshaping areas where the denture is causing irritation.
- Adding or removing material to improve fit and comfort.
- Checking and adjusting the alignment of the dentures to ensure they align properly with your bite.
- Occasionally the denture may need to be sent out to the lab to be adjusted, in which case the patient would have to return later for insertion
- Testing: After making adjustments, you'll test the dentures to ensure they fit comfortably and securely. This may involve biting down, speaking, and assessing overall comfort.
- Follow-Up: Depending on the extent of the adjustments, your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to reassess and ensure the adjustments have resolved any issues.
After-care & recovery
Post op instruction following your Denture adjustment
- Avoid Immediate Hard Foods: Initially, stick to softer foods to allow your mouth time to adjust to the denture changes.
- Monitor for Sore Spots: Pay attention to any new sore spots or discomfort. If you notice persistent irritation, contact your dentist for further adjustments.
- Use Denture Adhesives (if recommended): If your dentist recommends a denture adhesive, use it according to their instructions to enhance stability and comfort.
- Attend Follow-up Appointments: Follow any scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure the adjustments are successful and address any ongoing issue.
- Regular Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush to maintain oral health and prevent plaque buildup.
- Handle with Care: Handle your dentures carefully when removing or inserting them to avoid damage or misalignment.
- Maintain Regular Dental Visits: Continue regular dental check-ups to monitor your oral health and denture fit over time.
Common questions
Will my insurance cover this?
Dental insurance plans can vary in coverage, deductibles, and limitations. Some plans may cover part or all of the cost, while others may not. A dental estimate will be submitted to your insurance company/companies prior to treatment to confirm the covered amount and determine any out-of-pocket expense prior to your appointment.
How often will I need my dentures adjusted?
- The frequency of denture adjustments can vary based on several factors, including changes in jawbone and gum shape, denture quality, oral health, and care routine. Initially, after receiving new dentures, multiple adjustments may be necessary as your mouth adapts.
- Regular dental check-ups are crucial, typically every six months to a year, to evaluate and adjust dentures as needed. Throughout their lifespan, adjustments may be required due to factors like weight changes or wear and tear.
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