Options For Repairing Broken Dentures

Dentures are designed to withstand typical tasks like chewing and biting, but dentures still are not as durable as natural teeth. Dentures aren’t intended to last forever, and on average, most patients can get five to seven years out of a set. When faced with a broken denture, it can be easy to panic as there is no ideal time to experience a broke dental device. 

While it may be tempting to try to fix a broken denture yourself using household glues or super glue, most professionals will actively discourage it. 

Never Attempt To Fix Broken Dentures Yourself

If your denture is broken in half, be sure to contact your dentist immediately, rather than attempting any DIY fixes. 

Reasons you should avoid fixing dentures yourself include:

• Not all glue is designed for oral consumption and may lead to sickness, especially in the form of an upset stomach.
• Most of the commonly used household glues are fickle to dental ceramic, leading to the glue destroying any joint you are attempting to repair by melting the plastic around the edges. 
• Damaged areas can be challenging to glue without slight ridging appropriately. A slight bump can lead to a lot of discomfort in your mouth and may even damage the gums in the tongue. 
• Further damage can occur if dentures are not repaired correctly. 

Common Causes of a Broken Denture 

One of the most common causes of a broken denture is from wear and tear over time. After years of use, a denture has undergone many stress cycles of chewing and daily wear. Additionally, temperature variations found in hot and cold foods and beverages, the acid found in foods, and the moisture in your mouth can all contribute to the wear and tear of a denture. 

Progressive bone loss can also cause a denture to loosen over time. If your denture no longer fits properly, it can move around in your mouth more easily. A lack of stability for a denture can cause stress and pressure points, which will ultimately lead to a crack or break. 

What To Do If Your Dentures Break 

The first step if your dentures break is to see exactly what has broken on the dental device. Depending on how your dentures have broken, you may or may not be able to create a temporary fix at home before seeing your dentist. 

Here’s how to fix a broken denture in an emergency:

1. Call your dentist. Explain the situation to your dentist by describing what portion of your denture has broken. From there, your dentist will be able to assist you with making an emergency appointment. 
2. Look for a denture repair kit. Most local drug stores carry emergency repair kits for dentures. Be sure to check that the kit is labeled as suitable for dental work, and FDA-approved. While many may claim to fix cracks, these kits are not meant for long-term fixes. 
3. Visit your dentist. After attempting a temporary fix, follow through on your emergency dental appointment for a permanent solution. Your dentist will be able to repair your denture and ensure that it continues to be a comfortable solution for missing teeth. 

Avoiding Future Mishaps 

It’s essential to realize that prevention is a crucial part of preparing for and avoiding dental emergencies! Even the best-made dentures will deteriorate over time, but they can also last much longer with proper care. 

If it’s been a while since your dentures have been examined by a professional, contact Elite Dental & Denture PC today. Our experts specialize in their field and can ensure that you have comfortable, properly functioning, and natural-looking dentures.