Exams & Maintenance
Annual Denture Exams: Protect Your Investment and Your Health
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Choosing to invest in dentures is an important decision — and maintaining them properly is key to ensuring they stay comfortable, functional, and long-lasting. Regular care is essential, and that includes scheduling an annual denture examination to monitor both your oral health and the condition of your dentures.
What to Expect During Your Annual Denture Exam
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At Bridgewater Dental Center, your annual denture visit includes:
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Updating your medical and dental history to monitor for any changes that could affect your oral health or denture fit
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A thorough examination of your oral tissues, bone structure, and soft tissues
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Evaluation of your denture’s fit, bite, and overall stability
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Professional cleaning and polishing of your denture
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A review of your at-home oral hygiene routine and denture care habits
Why Regular Denture Checkups Matter
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Changes in your medical or dental health can affect how your dentures fit. Conditions like bone loss, medication changes, or systemic illnesses can alter your oral structure, leading to discomfort or instability in your dentures.
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Annual exams also allow us to detect oral abnormalities early, including pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions. Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes.
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Ill-fitting dentures, if left untreated, can cause tissue irritation, bite problems, speech issues, and even accelerated bone loss. That’s why it’s critical to address any changes as soon as they arise.
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Checking for Denture Wear and Damage
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During your exam, we’ll carefully inspect your dentures for:
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Cracks or fractures
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Chips or loose teeth
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Signs of wear that affect appearance or function
If any problems are found, our team will recommend customized solutions to restore the comfort, fit, and function of your denture — helping you avoid future complications.
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If you have questions about denture maintenance or would like to schedule your next Denture Exam and Maintenance Appointment, contact Bridgewater Dental Center today. We're here to help you keep your smile healthy, confident, and secure.
Denture Relines
Denture Relines: Keeping Your Dentures Secure and Comfortable
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When you first receive your dentures, they are crafted to fit snugly against your gums. However, over time, natural changes in your oral tissues can cause dentures to become loose, leading to movement, discomfort, and difficulty eating or speaking. To keep your dentures fitting properly and functioning well, it’s important to have them professionally relined approximately every one to two years.
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Types of Denture Relines
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At Bridgewater Dental Center, we offer three primary types of denture relines:
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Hard Reline
Recommended every two years for full denture wearers, a hard reline involves removing a thin layer from the inside of your denture. A putty-like material is applied to capture a precise impression of your current gum contours. The denture is then adjusted to match the new shape of your gums, restoring maximum comfort, stability, and function.
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Soft Reline
For patients with sensitive gums or sore spots, a soft reline may be the better option. This process uses a flexible, cushioning material that remains comfortable for up to one or two years. A soft reline can help reduce irritation and make daily denture wear much more manageable. Patients with persistent soreness may also want to explore implant-retained denture options for more permanent stability.
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Temporary (Palliative) Reline
If your gums are inflamed, swollen, or misshapen due to prolonged denture wear without adjustment, a temporary reline may be recommended. This medicated material soothes irritated tissues while reshaping your denture for a better interim fit. Once your gums heal and stabilize — usually within a few weeks — a new denture or a hard reline can be completed.
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Why Regular Relines Matter
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Keeping your dentures properly relined helps maintain a secure fit, prevents sore spots, protects the underlying bone and tissue, and supports better long-term oral health. If your dentures feel loose, uncomfortable, or unstable, don’t wait — early attention can make all the difference.
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If you have questions about denture relines or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Bridgewater Dental Center today. We’re here to help you enjoy the comfort, function, and confidence you deserve.
Soft Denture Liners
Soft Denture Liners: Added Comfort for Sensitive Gums
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If you’re experiencing irritation or discomfort from your dentures, a soft denture liner may be the solution you need. A soft liner is a cushiony, flexible material that is placed between the hard base of your denture and the delicate tissues of your mouth. It acts as a shock absorber, reducing pressure and friction to create a much more comfortable fit.
Soft liners can be incorporated into new dentures or added to existing dentures to improve comfort and stability.
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When Soft Liners Are Recommended
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At Bridgewater Dental Center, we offer permanent soft liners for patients who:
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Have flattened, receded gum tissues that struggle to support traditional dentures
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Experience persistent sore spots or discomfort under their dentures
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Have sharp bony ridges that make wearing conventional dentures painful
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Benefits of Soft Denture Liners
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Significantly improved comfort during wear
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Easier chewing and reduced pressure points
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Excellent patient tolerance — most people adapt quickly to soft liners
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Backed by decades of proven results and advances in soft liner technology
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Ongoing Care is Essential
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To keep your dentures and oral tissues healthy, it’s important to maintain regular follow-up appointments. During these visits, we can ensure that your soft liner continues to fit properly and make any necessary adjustments.
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If you’d like to learn more about whether a soft denture liner could improve your comfort, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation, contact Bridgewater Dental Center today — we’re here to help you smile with ease and confidence.a