We may recommend rebasing when the teeth of your denture are still in good condition and have not worn out compared to the denture base material. Dentures typically last five years before we recommend replacing them. If the denture base is broken, damaged, or weak, our dentists may recommend a rebase repair for your denture. 

 

WHAT IS A REBASE REPAIR FOR A DENTURE?

Rebasing is replacing the entire acrylic denture base providing a stable denture without replacing the denture teeth. A rebase for a denture may be required if your denture is old or cracked. A rebase may also be done if your dentist replaces an immediate denture. If you have tooth extraction surgery, your dentist can place an immediate denture on the same day as the extraction. However, when an immediate denture is placed, your gums are swollen, making them fit tighter than usual. Your dentist may ask you to return to the office for a rebase repair once the gum swelling decreases. 

 

REASONS TO GET A DENTURE REBASE?

There are several reasons that your dentist at Boulder Dental Designs may recommend a denture rebase. If your denture base has cracked, you may need a rebase repair. Dentures can break if they become dry for too long or involved in trauma. Additionally, if your dentures do not fit as well as they used to, they may need a rebase repair. Dentures that are severely ill-fitting and cannot be repaired with a reline may need a rebase repair. 

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DENTURE RELINE AND REBASE REPAIR? 

At Boulder Dental Designs, we recommend that patients come in to reline their dentures every one to two years. Over time, the jawbone weakens and shrinks, making the dentures fit poorly. On the other hand, a denture base replaces the entire acrylic base instead of only the inner lining of the denture.  

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE REBASE REPAIR PROCEDURE?

Unlike a reline procedure, a rebase repair for a denture may take a couple of days to weeks. In this procedure, your dentist will make a mold of your gums with the dentures. We will send this impression to a lab where your dentist will make your new denture base. Once your dentist has received the base, they will detach the base from the teeth and attach the new base. Your dentist will invite you back to the office for a denture fitting. Your dentist will ensure your dentures fit correctly during this appointment and make adjustments as needed. Then, you can go home with your new, well-fitting dentures. 

 

DO SOME DENTURES NOT NEED REBASE REPAIR?

All removable dentures may need to rebase repaired at some point in their lifespan, about five years. However, patients with implant dentures do not need to undergo denture maintenance such as rebasing and relining. At Boulder Dental Designs, we offer implant-supported dentures that function and look almost like natural teeth. Your dentist will insert four to five implant posts in your jawbone with implant-supported dentures. Then, the denture will attach permanently to the posts. There is no need to remove the dentures to clean them at night. Additionally, implant-supported dentures do not have an acrylic gum appearance, so you can use a regular toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your teeth. Call our office today if you are interested in implant-supported dentures, also called All-on-4s. 

Many patients choose partial or complete dentures because they are affordable options to enhance the appearance of their smile. There are many different ways that your dentist can manipulate your dentures to help them fit better, and one of those ways is rebasing. For more information about rebasing repairs or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today. Dr. John Montoya and Dr. Pearl Lai look forward to helping you with any of our quality restorative dentistry services in Boulder, Colorado, including bridges, crowns, and implants.