For those who depend on dentures, they’re more than just a dental appliance — they’re essential for eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence. Yet, like anything well-loved and often used, dentures can wear down over time or suffer unexpected breaks. When this happens, it can bring discomfort and disrupt daily life. Taking steps to understand and care for your dentures can help preserve their function and longevity.
If you’ve found yourself with broken dentures, you might wonder if you can fix them or if professional help is needed. This guide will explore why dentures break, how to handle broken dental appliances and when to seek assistance.
Let’s explore the essential steps for dealing with broken dentures to ensure they remain functional and comfortable.
Do Dentures Break?
Yes, dentures can break, especially if they’re not maintained correctly or if an unexpected impact occurs. Dentures are crafted from durable materials designed to withstand daily use, but they’re still vulnerable to fractures, cracks, or chips over time.
What Are Some of the Common Causes of Broken Dentures?
Dentures can break for several reasons. Here are some common causes:
- Accidental Drops: A leading cause of broken dentures is dropping them, particularly on hard surfaces like tile or stone. Even a minor fall can cause cracks, chips or fractures.
- Wear and Tear: Just like natural teeth, dentures wear down over time. The repeated force from chewing can gradually weaken the material, making it more susceptible to damage.
- Poor Fit: If dentures don’t fit well, they can create extra pressure points, causing them to crack or warp. Loose dentures are also more prone to accidents, as they can easily slip or become misaligned.
- Extreme Temperatures: Dentures can warp if exposed to extreme heat or cold, leading to an improper fit or cracking. Avoid rinsing them in hot water to prevent this issue.
- Improper Storage: Leaving dentures out of their storage case or allowing them to dry out can compromise their integrity. Dentures should be kept in water or a denture-cleaning solution to maintain their shape and strength.
When to Repair Your Dentures
Knowing when to repair your dentures is crucial to maintaining good oral health. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to consider a repair:
- Visible Cracks or Chips: Even tiny cracks can worsen over time, so prioritize addressing them as soon as possible.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: A broken denture may make it challenging to eat or speak clearly, impacting your quality of life.
- Pain or Discomfort: Broken dentures can lead to sore spots or irritation, resulting in additional oral health issues.
- Misalignment: Dentures may need adjustment or repair if they no longer align with your bite or cause discomfort.
Can Dentures Be Fixed at Home?
When dentures break, the first impulse might be to try and fix them at home. While some minor fixes can be attempted, it’s essential to understand the limitations and risks.
Attempting to fix dentures at home can lead to a poor fit, increased risk of further breakage or even permanent damage. Only consider a temporary fix if professional repair isn’t immediately accessible. Otherwise, it’s best to leave the repair to professionals.
How to Avoid Broken Dentures
Prevention is always better than repair. Here are a few tips to help prevent your dentures from breaking:
- Handle with Care: Always handle your dentures over a soft surface or a towel. This way, they’re less likely to break if they slip.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visiting your dentist regularly allows them to check for any signs of wear or fit issues, which can be addressed before they lead to a break.
- Proper Storage: When not in use, store your dentures in a safe place that won’t be accidentally knocked off or damaged. Keep them moist in a denture solution to preserve their shape.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Hard and sticky foods can put extra pressure on dentures. This increases the risk of cracks or fractures.
- Clean Properly: To keep dentures clean and intact, use gentle, non-abrasive denture cleansers and a soft-bristled brush. Avoid toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive for the denture material.
Should I Wear Broken Dentures?
Wearing broken dentures is not recommended. Broken dentures can cause discomfort, irritation or sores in the mouth. If your dentures are broken, refrain from using them until you’ve had them repaired. Continuing to wear them damaged may lead to more significant issues requiring extensive repairs or even a new set of dentures.
Do Denture Repair Kits Work?
Denture repair kits are a popular quick-fix solution, but they have limitations. These kits can temporarily hold dentures together using adhesive, which may be helpful if you’re in a bind. However, these repairs are often not durable and may worsen the damage if not done carefully.
Additionally, over-the-counter kits may not restore the original shape or functionality. It’s best to view these kits as a short-term measure until you can seek professional assistance for a permanent solution.
When to Call the Dentist
If your dentures break, contacting your dentist should be a priority. Dentists have the tools and expertise to repair dentures effectively and ensure they fit correctly. It’s essential to seek professional help if:
- The Damage is Extensive: Large fractures, broken teeth or severe misalignment need professional repair.
- There’s Pain or Discomfort: Broken dentures can cause irritation or sore spots that require adjustment.
- Frequent Breakages: If your dentures break repeatedly, it may indicate that they need to be relined or replaced to fit better.
Seeking dental help ensures the dentures are repaired correctly, prevents further complications and keeps your oral health in check.
Get Your Dentures Fixed Right at Archpoint Implant Dentistry
Only professionals know how to fix dentures properly and can restore full function and comfort. At Archpoint Implant Dentistry, our team is experienced in handling all types of denture repairs with precision and care. We use high-quality materials and techniques to bring your dentures back to their best shape, helping you avoid the discomfort and complications that can come from at-home fixes or temporary solutions.
Contact Archpoint Implant Dentistry today for the reliable, professional repair you deserve to restore your smile and confidence.
