How To Fix Broken Dentures

It can be easy to fix broken dentures, especially with the assistance of a dental professional. Further, acting fast when it comes to repairs can help these dental prosthetics last longer, restore their functionality, and improve your overall comfort. Check out this guide on denture repair to get started.

What to do when your dentures break

Dentures are known to be durable, lasting about five years on average. However, accidents happen. Whether the patient dropped them or simple wear and tear is to blame, follow these simple steps for denture repair:

Assess the damage

The first step is to examine the broken denture carefully. There is a chance that something is wrong beyond the obvious. For instance, if the artificial teeth are cracked or some have fallen out, patients may find that the pink acrylic has also chipped. Inspect the dental device from all angles and, if possible, see if it still fits in the mouth. Note any changes in how it fits.

Call your dentist

Once you have a better idea of the extent of the damage, contact the dentist’s office for help. The dental staff can set up an appointment. If the denture is unwearable, they will work to get the patient in the office for repairs as soon as possible.

Staff can also discuss whether there are any do-it-yourself repairs that can help in the meantime, such as using an at-home repair kit to temporarily fix chipped dentures. These kits are often available at drug stores and come with acrylic resin and false tooth replacements. However, make sure to ask the dentist before purchasing these kits. Many contain low-quality materials that can cause further damage.

Avoid wearing broken dentures

People must not wear broken dentures. If minor home repairs have rendered them functional again, it may be okay to use them for a short period of time. However, people must not put off getting professional denture repair services. For one, dentures repaired at home are likely to break again. Secondly, per Penn Medicine, wearing broken ones can lead to inflamed gums, mouth sores, and similar issues.

Professional denture repair: What to expect

Most times, a dentist can fix broken dentures by relining them. This process may involve a hard acrylic resin material (hard reline) or a softer silicone resin material (soft reline). During each type of denture reline, the dentist will seal any cracks, replace missing false teeth, and refit the dentures to the patient’s mouth. This process is typically completed in the office on the same day so patients can walk out with a fully repaired set.

However, there are some instances where a reline is not an option. Dentures that snap in half or warped (such as from being placed in boiling water) may be beyond repair. In these cases, the dentist will order a replacement set from the dental lab. Patients will be given a temporary set, or immediate dentures, to use until their permanent set is ready for pickup.