• Dentures
• August 25, 2023
• by lotus

Dentures offer patients who are missing teeth a way to restore confidence, improve their speech and eat the foods they enjoy. Broken dentures or dentures that do not fit well, however, do not function to the same standard. Remember that your mouth will undergo changes over time and even if your denture fitted comfortably when you first received it, the chances are that after a period of time you will need to look at a denture repair or relining. Let’s take a closer look at how to fix broken dentures.

This Is Why Your Denture Might Not Fit So Well Anymore

Your gums and jaw change over time, and due to a number of reasons:

• Weight gain or loss
• Bone loss due to missing teeth
• Your age

This means that the denture you were fitted with at first, may not fit your mouth comfortably. Loose dentures cause irritation and may make it more difficult to chew food but the good news is that in many cases, all that is required is a denture reline. If your denture feels loose or moves around when you eat or talk, you should discuss a reline with your dentist.

What Causes Broken Dentures?

If you’ve been wearing your dentures for a while, general wear and tear or rough handling can cause damage or breakages. Dropping your denture on the ground or on the bathroom basin can also cause them to break. Biting down too hard when putting particle dentures in your mouth can also cause them to break.

How To Fix Broken Dentures?

Don’t Try To Fix Broken Dentures Yourself

The most important rule to remember about broken dentures is not to try and repair them yourself. Only your dental practitioner can repair your broken denture because store-bought glues are not suitable for dental apparatus. They can cause irritation to your mouth and gums, the development of mouth sores, and the glue may even damage your broken denture further.

Important Points To Remember

Let Your Dentist Know Beforehand

It’s a good idea to let your dentist know about your broken denture ahead of your appointment. You will need to describe the component that has been damaged. This is important because your denture is so important in your daily life, your dentist should set time aside to do an urgent repair and return your broken denture the same day.

There Are Emergency Denture Repair Kits Available

While we do not encourage you to self-repair your dentures, there may come a time when your options are to do an emergency repair or go without your denture. In this instance a denture repair kit is a much better idea than conventional super glue or adhesive which we reiterate, you absolutely should not use. You can purchase denture repair kits from most pharmacies and should follow the user instructions very carefully. Remember: this is the last resort, not a first choice, and you should first consult your dentist.

However, also remember that even if you do end up fixing your dentures with a temporary solution, you must still have them professionally repaired by your dental practitioner.

How To Avoid A Broken Denture? 

Careful handling of your denture is essential so as not to damage or break it. If you have partial dentures you need to be careful when handling the clasps. When you are putting them in and taking them out, you should do this over a basin filled with water or a basin with a towel over it. This is to cushion the impact in the event that you do drop them.

You should also clean and care for your denture as instructed, taking care not to use hot water, which can cause the denture to lose its shape, and avoid using abrasive substances, which can cause surface damage. If you have partial dentures you should avoid using acidic substances for denture soaking.

For a personalised approach on how to fix broken dentures, please contact us: (03) 8737 9359.