Hard reline
A hard reline uses rigid denture-base material to replace the fitting surface. It may be considered when the denture is otherwise suitable and the underlying tissues can support a firm base.
Repairs & relines
Denture repairs and relines across Sydney's North Shore
Pickup and return can be arranged for suitable denture repairs and relines across Sydney's North Shore. Dentures may be collected from a home, retirement village or aged-care facility, assessed in our laboratory and returned by arrangement.
First aid for a broken denture
What to do the moment it breaks
Keep every piece, including small fragments, and place everything in a clean bag or container. A clean break with all pieces present is generally easier to assess than a denture that has been glued, trimmed or continued to be worn after breaking.
Avoid superglue and household repair kits. Adhesives can contaminate the acrylic, interfere with repair bonding or hold the pieces in the wrong position. Do not wear a denture with sharp, loose or unstable pieces.
Pickup and return
How the denture repair process works
Pickup and return may be arranged when travelling without the denture is difficult. Availability and timing depend on the suburb, collection route and type of repair required.
- Call and describe the damageTell us where the denture has broken, whether every piece has been kept and the suburb where collection is needed. A clear photograph may also help us understand the likely repair.
- We arrange collectionThe denture can be handed over by the patient, a family member, carer or aged-care facility staff member. Keep it dry and protected in a clean bag or container.
- We assess, repair and return itSuitable repairs are completed in our own laboratory. We confirm the likely cost and available turnaround before work begins, then arrange return and any required fit check.
A loose denture
Relining an existing denture
Jaw and gum tissues can change over time, so a denture that previously fitted well may begin to rock, trap food, rub or require more adhesive. A reline replaces the fitting surface of an otherwise suitable denture so it can be reassessed against the current shape of the mouth.
Soft reline
A soft reline uses a resilient lining that may be considered for tender or significantly resorbed ridges. It generally requires more maintenance and more frequent replacement than a hard reline.
Signs to request a fit check: increasing adhesive use, food beneath the plate, rubbing sores, clicking, rocking or movement when chewing.
Assess the cause
Repeated fractures may indicate an underlying fit or bite issue
If a denture repeatedly breaks in the same area, the base may be flexing, the fit may have changed or the bite may be placing concentrated pressure on the denture. Repairing the fracture alone may not address the underlying cause. Depending on the assessment, adjustment, reline, reinforcement or replacement may be discussed.
See our denture pricing and health fund information, or read more about how our home visits work.
Repair, reline or replace?
Not every denture problem requires the same treatment
A repair addresses damage such as a fracture, broken tooth or clasp problem. A reline changes the fitting surface when an otherwise suitable denture has become loose. Replacement may be discussed where the denture is extensively worn, repeatedly fractures, no longer provides a workable bite or cannot be predictably modified.
The available option depends on the denture material, age, condition, fit and the tissues and teeth supporting it. See information about full dentures and partial dentures.
Where we collect
Denture pickup and return across Sydney's North Shore
Collection may be arranged from homes, retirement villages and aged-care facilities in Castlecrag, Willoughby, Chatswood, Northbridge, Naremburn, Artarmon, Lane Cove, Mosman, Cremorne, Neutral Bay, St Leonards and nearby suburbs.
CastlecragWilloughbyChatswoodNorthbridgeNaremburnArtarmonLane CoveMosmanCremorneNeutral BaySt Leonards
Outside these suburbs? Call anyway. We will confirm whether collection and return are practical before arranging the service.
Common questions
Repair and reline FAQs
Can every denture be repaired?
Most acrylic dentures can be assessed for repair, including clean fractures. Chrome frameworks and many flexible nylon dentures are more limited, so we explain the realistic options before work begins.
How long will the repair take?
Turnaround depends on the fracture, replacement parts and collection route. Call with a description of the damage and your suburb, and we will provide the most accurate available timing before making arrangements.
Can you tell whether my denture is repairable over the phone?
Often we can narrow it down from a description or clear photograph. Keep every piece and call before attempting any temporary repair.
Can a family member or facility staff member hand it over?
Yes. We can arrange collection and return through a family member, carer or facility staff member when that is more practical.
How often should a denture be relined?
There is no fixed interval because mouths change at different rates. Request a fit check when the denture begins to move, rub, trap food or rely on more adhesive.
Should a loose denture be relined or replaced?
A reline may be appropriate when the denture is otherwise in suitable condition but no longer closely follows the shape of the gums. Replacement may be discussed where the denture is extensively worn, repeatedly fractures, has an unsuitable bite or cannot be predictably modified. An assessment is needed before deciding.
Lev Terterian is a registered dental prosthetist. Check the Ahpra Register for current registration.
Discuss a denture repair or reline
Keep all pieces and call to describe the denture, damage, fit problem, suburb and collection requirements. Available options and timing can then be explained.