How to Fix Broken Dentures

The condition of your dentures is just as important as the condition of your natural teeth. If you are wearing dentures that no longer fit properly, or that are broken, it can lead to serious issues. That’s why it is a good idea to have a plan in place in case you damage your dentures.

Keeping regular dental checkups is always your best defence against dental issues, even when you have dentures. Use these tips to repair damaged dentures and help you avoid damage in the first place.

Common Causes of Broken Dentures

One of the most common causes of broken dentures is general wear-and-tear. Although you might think your dentures will last for life, they undergo quite a bit of stress and strain due to constant chewing, grinding, and pressure. If your dentures are older, they will be more prone to cracks, as well as the loosening of the teeth, which can eventually fall out.

You can also cause further damage to your dentures by eating hard foods. Acids found in many foods and drinks, as well as damage caused by hot and cold, are common factors in the wear and tear of dentures over time.

How often should I replace my dentures?

With proper care, your dentures should last between five to eight years. That’s why it’s important for you to still maintain regular dental checkups. We can look for issues with your oral health as well as check the condition of your dentures.

What to Do When Your Dentures Break

First, call your dentist to set up an emergency appointment. Although you can make a temporary repair, you really need to get your dentures checked and repaired properly as soon as possible.

Look at the damage to see where your dentures are broken. Is it the pink acrylic that is damaged? Is it one of the teeth? Is it completely broken with the plate in two pieces? Once you get a good picture of what has happened you can determine if it is something you can try to fix temporarily until your appointment.

Quick Denture Fixes

Unfortunately, if your denture is literally broken in two pieces, there isn’t anything you can do until you reach your dentist’s office. If you have dentures, you should always keep an FDA approved denture repair kit handy, which you can find at your local drug store. This kit contains everything you need to make quick repairs for the short term, including a safe bonding material. In some cases, they might even contain replacement teeth, which can come in handy if you have lost or severely damaged one of the teeth in your dentures.

Never try to use other adhesives or glue products to repair your dentures. The special bonding materials found in your denture repair kit are designed for dental work and do not contain any of the toxic substances found in common glues. Although in a pinch it might be tempting to reach for the Crazy Glue in your tool kit, this can be very dangerous; these glues contain substances that are not safe for human consumption.

Replacement Options for Broken Dentures

If your dentures are completely broken in half, your dentures might have to be sent out for repairs. In many cases, however, they might have to be replaced.

We will do an overall examination of your dentures to determine if they are worth saving. If you have been experiencing poor fit and feel uncomfortable, they might require re-aligning. If your dentures appear to be too old, we will discuss your options for replacement.

Why is proper fit important for dentures?

When your dentures do not fit properly you can have the following issues:

• Irritation of the gums
• Sores and blisters
• Bacterial and fungal infections
• Difficulty eating, which can lead to a poor diet
• Bone loss

What are my denture replacement options?

Depending on your budget, removable dentures might still be your best option. However, there are also more permanent teeth replacement solutions available. When you have dentures, bone-loss will affect the fit of your dentures.

As mentioned, poorly fitting dentures can add to bone-loss issues. Bone-loss can cause your face to change as your mouth begins to recede. This is why it is so important to have regular dental checkups as we will assess the health of your bone and jaw too.

The good news is that we can recommend options for denture replacements that will not only look and feel better than your current dentures but will also help avoid bone loss. This includes implant retained dentures and dental implants.

Implant retained dentures are a non-removable Hybrid Prosthesis that fit snuggly over your gums. They are held in place by posts implanted in your jawbone. This means you will have a more secure, permanent denture that makes it easier to eat and speak.

Dental implants are your best tooth-replacement option. They look and feel like your natural teeth, which will help to slow or even prevent bone loss. They have many benefits including:

• Improved ability to chew and speak
• Restoration of facial aesthetics
• Preservation of remaining jawbone structure
• Recovery of the natural appearance and function of teeth
• Increased confidence
• Easier oral hygiene
• Can last a lifetime with proper care

How to Avoid Broken Dentures

Time is the main culprit for broken dentures. Your best prevention is to ensure you are taking proper care of your dentures and following a healthy oral hygiene regime. Always brush dentures regularly, rinse them thoroughly, and soak them overnight. Remember to brush your dentures over a full sink of water or place a face towel in the sink so they will have a softer impact if you drop them.

Regular dental checkups will monitor the condition of your dentures so we can address issues before fractures and damage occur.

For more information about what to do if your dentures are broken, call Dawson Dental at 1-855-406-2742 or contact us here.