Broken Dentures — Is It A Good Idea To Do It Yourself?

There may come a time when you end up with broken dentures, and find yourself in need of a repair or reline. Even though repair kits can be purchased from certain pharmacies, you should never attempt to fix broken dentures yourself. Trying to repair broken dentures yourself could cause more damage, to the point that they are irreparable. In this post, we are going to help you with some solutions if your dentures break.

Why Do Dentures Break?

Broken dentures

False teeth need to be handled with care as they can be brittle. Dropping them can cause a crack, chip or lasting damage, so it’s advisable to remove and replace them in front of a mirror. Always put a towel over the basin in case you drop them.

While it might be tempting to try to fix broken dentures yourself, superglue and home adhesives should never be put on your prosthesis or put in your mouth. They are toxic and can cause damage to your false teeth. Furthermore, your denture has been engineered with precision, to match the contours of your mouth. A DIY repair effort can affect their shape and cause them to irritate your mouth, leading you to develop sore spots.

A pro tip: Your false teeth need to be kept moist in order to stay flexible. This is why it is recommended to soak them in a glass of water overnight. If your denture dries out, it will become more brittle, and if you drop it, you could end up with broken dentures. 

An improper fit

The longer you wear your denture, the more likely it is to lose shape. This is because your mouth changes shape over time. False teeth that used to fit you comfortably may start to feel loose, making it more difficult to chew or speak. When they don’t fit you properly, they can rub your soft tissues to the point of irritation. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to visit your dentist You may need a hard or soft reline, and the sooner you can arrange this, the less discomfort you will experience.

How To Fix Broken Dentures?

A dental practitioner is the only person who should ever fix broken dentures.

The good news is that many practitioners offer emergency or same-day denture repair services, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long.

What To Do If Your Dentures Break?

A dentist is an expert at fixing broken dentures and will ensure that your prosthesis fits you comfortably and works effectively. Even if your prosthesis breaks, your dental practitioner will provide you with a temporary solution so you can eat and speak with confidence.

The Importance Of Repairing Broken Dentures Early

It’s best to have a crack, chip or improper fit checked early on so the problem doesn’t progress toward broken dentures. If your dentures break, contact your dental practitioner as soon as possible.

To speak to an expert about broken dentures or to make an appointment, please contact us

Buderim: (07) 5317 1023
Caloundra: (07) 5315 8076

References

Denture Repair: What To Do If Your Dentures Break
https://www.dentureliving.com/en-us/advice-tips/living-with-dentures/cleaning-maintenance/repair-broken-dentures

Repair Poorly Fitting, Damaged or Broken False Teeth
https://www.colgate.com/en-za/oral-health/dentures/repair-poorly-fitting-damaged-or-broken-false-teeth-1015