Can my dentures be adjusted if they don’t fit properly?

What do you mean by “not fitting”?

Try describing the problem in everyday terms. Does it rub in one place, lift when you talk, move during meals or feel different when you close your mouth? When did you first notice it?

Those details help the clinician understand what to assess. “The lower denture lifts when I eat” gives a clearer starting point than assuming the whole set needs replacing.

Is an adjustment the same as a reline?

No. An adjustment changes a particular part of the denture. A reline changes the surface that sits against your gums. Replacement means making a new denture.

Which option is appropriate depends on the examination and the condition of the existing denture. Read our guide to denture relines if that term has been mentioned at an appointment.

How should I prepare for the appointment?

• Bring both dentures, even if only one bothers you.
• Note where the problem occurs and what makes it worse.
• Mention previous repairs, adjustments and recent dental treatment.
• Tell the team if you cannot wear the denture because of discomfort.

Ask the clinic whether to wear it before the appointment. Follow their advice; do not force yourself to keep wearing something painful just to show the problem.

Can I file down a sore spot at home?

Leave adjustments to a qualified dental professional. Filing the base or bending a clasp can change the fit and cause damage. It can also make it harder to assess the original problem.

Persistent soreness needs checking. If the denture is intact but uncomfortable, contact the clinic about its fit. If it has broken, use the repair enquiry page. Explain which problem you have so the team can arrange the right next step.