Repairs and Relines
Repairs
- Both major and minor repairs are available
- Precise tooth-frame relationships can be established by resin pickup and laser welding of segments of Co-Cr removable partial denture frameworks
- One of the most common partial denture repairs is to replace or add a new tooth to a pre-existing partial due to tooth loss. Laser welding a wrought wire loop to the major connector allows for retention of an acrylic tooth
- When replacing or adding a new anterior tooth to a pre-existing partial in which there is insufficient interocclusal space, a metal backing may be required. This backing can be laser-welded to the framework. An opposing cast is needed from the dentist, as well as a pickup impression of the partial denture
- Small connectors and broken clasps can be successfully repaired with laser welding
- An impression is often required with the denture seated in the mouth, which is then poured up (if alginate) or sent to the laboratory (if polyvinylsiloxane)
Relines
- The rapid shrinkage of bone after tooth removal means that the denture will need to have the fitting surface relined in 2-3 months.
- When the fit of a denture is no longer adequate, relining is recommended.
- Two types of relines are available. A wash is taken inside the fitting surface of the denture which is required for both hard and soft relines.
a. Hard - The tissue surface is replaced with hard acrylic.
b. Soft relines are recommended in the following clinical situations:
- flat or nearly flat gum tissues
- ridges with thin tissues over bony areas
- chronically sore gum tissues