Denture Repair Questions: What Is Rebasing?

While dentures are made to last a long time, issues may arise that require a denture repair like rebasing or relining. What kind of repair dentures need depends entirely on how they are broken and if they are causing pain or unequal wear on teeth. Mouth sores and tenderness of the gums can occur if the teeth are not lining up perfectly or if the material of the denture is wearing thin. Problems with the material making up the base of dentures may be mendable through rebasing.

Understanding rebasing

Rebasing is a procedure that replaces the base of dentures with a new one. A dentist may decide rebasing is a good denture repair option if the teeth of the dentures are still intact and functional and the only problem lies in the acrylic material supporting them. Here are the fundamentals of rebasing and what to expect out of the process.

Why rebasing is important

Sometimes the acrylic material making up the base of dentures becomes too thin or no longer matches the gumline. Dentures may rub uncomfortably against the gums and cause inflammation and pain, and a patient may become more vulnerable to gum disease, or gingivitis. Dentures that fit improperly can also cause issues with chewing if they affect the way the teeth bite down. Excess pressure where there is not supposed to be any can weaken teeth at an accelerated rate. Cracks, fractures or complete breaks in the base require immediate repair and rebasing to ensure the dentures continue functioning effectively.

Which problems can be fixed by rebasing

These are issues that rebasing can help fix if the teeth are still in good condition:

• Cracks form in the denture.
• A denture breaks into more than one piece.
• Excess wear forms holes or thin points in the denture.

Sometimes these problems can be caused by misalignments or chewing overly hard foods. Dropping dentures on the floor may result in fractures or breaks upon impact.

What to expect from the process

To get a new base, an impression of the denture is taken to create a cast. The cast provides a template for the new base. The teeth from the old denture are carefully removed from the old denture and placed in the new base. Some dentists are able to make the new acrylic base in their own offices, reducing the process to a single office visit. In other cases, the cast may need to be sent to a lab and the new base made there.

Rebasing is not the same as relining

Though relining sounds and is similar to rebasing, the two address different problems. The relining process maintains the same base but replaces the lining to create a sturdier fit in the mouth.

Conclusion

If concerns arise about potential weaknesses in dentures or if they are causing any discomfort, talking to a dental professional is a good way to address the problem and learn about options. The rebasing process is one denture repair consideration to understand if your dentures break.

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