denture fracture means a crack or complete break in a removable denture. It can involve the pink base (denture base), the artificial teeth, or a metal framework in some partial dentures. It is most commonly discussed in complete dentures and removable partial dentures used to replace missing teeth. Clinically, it matters because fractures can change fit, comfort, chewing function, and appearance.

denture repair is the process of fixing a damaged removable denture so it can function and fit again. It commonly addresses cracks, fractures, broken teeth on the denture, or worn components. It may be completed in a dental office, a dental laboratory, or a combination of both. The goal is to restore comfort, chewing ability, and stability without remaking the entire denture when appropriate.

A tissue conditioner is a soft, temporary lining material placed on the fitting surface of a denture. It is designed to adapt to the gums (oral mucosa) and spread pressure more evenly. It is most commonly used in removable dentures when the tissues are sore, inflamed, or changing shape. It is typically used for short-term management and reassessment rather than as a permanent fix.

A soft reline is a cushioning layer added to the tissue-facing surface of a removable denture. It is made from a resilient (soft, flexible) lining material that sits between the denture base and the gums. A soft reline is commonly used when denture tissues are irritated or when fit has changed and extra comfort is needed. It can be placed chairside or fabricated through a dental laboratory, depending on the material and case.

A hard reline is a process that adds new rigid material to the tissue-contacting surface of a denture. It is used to improve denture fit when the gums and jawbone under the denture have changed over time. It is most commonly done for full dentures and can also be used for some partial dentures. A hard reline can be done chairside or in a dental laboratory, depending on the case and materials.

A denture reline is a process that reshapes the tissue-contacting (inside) surface of a denture. It helps the denture fit the gums and underlying bone more closely when those tissues have changed over time. A denture reline is commonly used for full dentures and sometimes for removable partial dentures with an acrylic base. It can be performed in a dental office (chairside) or in a dental laboratory, depending on the material and case.

A duplicate denture is a copy of an existing removable denture made to match its shape, tooth position, and bite as closely as possible. It is commonly used in complete dentures (full dentures) and sometimes in partial dentures, depending on design. Clinicians may use it as a spare appliance, a starting point for a replacement denture, or a diagnostic “template” during treatment planning. The goal is usually to reproduce what already works for the patient while allowing controlled updates when needed.

A copy denture is a new denture made by duplicating the shape and key features of an existing denture. It is commonly used when a patient has an old denture they are accustomed to but needs a replacement. The process aims to “copy” familiar fit, bite, and appearance while allowing planned improvements. It is used in complete dentures and, in some cases, removable partial dentures.

An FP-3 prosthesis is a fixed (non-removable) implant-supported restoration designed to replace missing teeth **and** the appearance of lost gum tissue. It is most commonly used for full-arch or large-span implant reconstructions where natural bone and soft-tissue contours have changed. The prosthesis is typically secured to dental implants, often with screws, and is removed only by a clinician for maintenance.

An FP-2 prosthesis is a type of fixed dental prosthesis design often discussed in implant dentistry. It replaces the visible tooth crown and part of the tooth root portion, creating a slightly “longer tooth” appearance. It is commonly used when teeth are missing and there has been a moderate amount of gum and bone shrinkage (resorption). It is typically delivered as an implant-supported fixed restoration rather than a removable denture.