Long-Term Fit
Denture Exams & Maintenance
Dentures don't stay perfect forever — your mouth changes, and so does the fit. Regular exams keep your denture working the way it should.
Reviewed by Dr. Mini Nair, DDS — Updated 2026
Why annual exams matter
Even if you wear a full denture and have no remaining teeth, we still recommend seeing us at least once a year. Here's what we check:
- Denture fit. Bone in the jaw slowly changes shape over time, especially after teeth are lost. A denture that fit perfectly five years ago may need to be relined or remade.
- Tissue health. We examine the gums, roof of your mouth, tongue, and cheeks for any irritation, sore spots, or infection.
- Oral cancer screening. Denture wearers are just as vulnerable — in some cases more so — to oral cancers. A minute-long screening at every exam catches problems early.
- Denture condition. We check for cracks, chips, worn teeth, or loose components. A small repair today prevents a full replacement tomorrow.
- Cleaning.We can give your denture a professional cleaning that removes stains and buildup your daily routine can't.
Common maintenance services
- Relines. The inside surface of the denture is reshaped to match the current contours of your gums and jaw — restoring a snug, comfortable fit.
- Rebases. The acrylic base of the denture is replaced while keeping the original teeth.
- Repairs. Chips, cracks, and broken clasps on partial dentures can often be fixed quickly.
- Denture adjustment. Small spot adjustments to relieve sore spots or pressure points.
When to call us sooner
Don't wait for your annual visit if:
- Your denture feels loose, wobbly, or keeps slipping.
- You notice sore spots, pain, or bleeding where the denture contacts your gums.
- The denture has a visible crack, or a tooth has chipped or broken.
- You notice any new lumps, patches, or persistent sores in your mouth.
- Chewing or speaking has become difficult or different.
Call us at 540-902-0205. Many small denture issues are fixed in a single short visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my dentures examined?+
We recommend at least once a year, even if everything feels fine. Your mouth changes over time, and an annual exam lets us catch fit issues, tissue irritation, or early signs of oral cancer before they become serious.
What is a denture reline?+
A reline reshapes the inside surface of your denture to match the current contours of your gums and jaw. It restores a snug, comfortable fit without needing an entirely new denture.
Can you repair a cracked denture?+
In many cases, yes. Chips, cracks, and broken clasps on partial dentures can often be fixed quickly at Shenandoah Dental Center. Bring it in and we'll assess whether a repair or a replacement is the right call.
Do denture wearers need oral cancer screenings?+
Yes. Denture wearers are just as vulnerable to oral cancers as anyone else. We include a quick oral cancer screening at every exam because early detection saves lives.
How do I know if my denture needs adjusting?+
Signs include looseness, wobbling, sore spots on your gums, difficulty chewing or speaking, or visible cracks. If anything feels different, call us. Small adjustments often make a big difference.
What happens during a denture maintenance visit?+
We check the fit, examine your gum and tissue health, screen for oral cancer, inspect the denture for damage, give it a professional cleaning, and make any adjustments or repairs needed.
Ready When You Are
Let's write the next chapter
of your smile's story.
Schedule an appointment online, or give us a call. We're accepting new patients of every age — and we'll walk you through every step.