What Happens When Dentures Go Missing?

Losing your dentures can be frustrating, especially for older adults who rely on them daily for eating, speaking, and feeling confident. Whether they’ve been accidentally thrown out, misplaced during cleaning, or lost in aged care settings, missing dentures can quickly affect quality of life.

The good news is that replacement options are available, and they do not always require a visit to a dental clinic. Mobile denture services can come directly to your nursing home or aged care facility, making the process faster, easier, and more comfortable.

Steps to Take After Losing Your Dentures

If your dentures have gone missing, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further complications such as difficulty eating, speaking, or maintaining oral hygiene. Here’s what to do:

1. Check Common Areas

Retrace recent activities and check laundry, bed linen, dining areas, and bathroom sinks. In aged care homes, speak with staff to assist in a thorough search.

2. Avoid Using Damaged or Old Spares

If you have a backup set, make sure they still fit correctly. Wearing damaged or poorly fitting dentures can cause mouth sores or discomfort.

3. Book a Mobile Denture Assessment

If the dentures are not found, contact a mobile denture clinic. These services can visit your nursing home or aged care facility to assess your needs and begin the replacement process without delay.

4. Inform Care Staff or Family

If you live in aged care, let the facility manager know. Prompt communication ensures appropriate support and follow-up can be arranged.

How Replacement Dentures Are Made and Fitted

Once it’s confirmed that a new set of dentures is required, the replacement process begins with a professional consultation. A mobile denture clinic can visit your location, whether at a nursing home or in an aged care facility, to assess your needs and take accurate impressions.

Initial Assessment and Impressions

A dental professional examines your mouth to ensure your gums are healthy and ready for a new denture. Impressions are then taken to create a precise mould of your upper and/or lower arches.

Design and Fabrication

Based on the impressions, a custom denture is designed to match your mouth and bite. The dental laboratory creates the denture using high-quality materials that are both durable and natural-looking.

Fitting Appointment

Once the denture is ready, a fitting is scheduled to ensure proper alignment and comfort. Adjustments are made as needed to eliminate pressure points and enhance function.

Follow-Up Care

After fitting, you may be offered a follow-up appointment to fine-tune the fit and answer any questions. This ensures the denture remains comfortable and performs well for daily use.

Tips for Preventing Denture Loss in the Future

Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the chances of losing your dentures again. These tips are especially helpful for elderly patients, carers, or those in aged care facilities.

Establish a Routine

Create a daily habit for cleaning and storing your dentures. Always keep them in the same location, such as a labelled container beside the bed or in the bathroom.

Label the Denture Case

Use a name label on the storage case. In shared living environments like aged care homes, this makes it easier for staff to return misplaced dentures to the correct person.

Avoid Wrapping in Tissues

Never wrap dentures in a tissue or napkin, as they are often mistaken for rubbish and thrown out. Use a proper container instead.

Communicate with Care Staff

Make sure care staff are aware of denture use and storage. This is particularly important when new staff are on shift or during room cleaning and linen changes.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Even if everything seems fine, regular denture check-ups help detect fit issues early and reinforce good habits around storage and care.

Need Help Replacing Lost Dentures?

Losing your dentures can be stressful, but the solution doesn’t need to be. Whether you’re at a nursing home, in an aged care facility, or supporting a loved one, our team can provide quick, reliable assistance through our mobile denture clinic. We offer assessments, fittings, and full replacements without the need to travel.

Call us today or book online to organise a mobile denture visit at your convenience.