Denture Repairs
How Can Dentures Become Damaged?
The main way dentures are damaged is by getting dropped when they are being removed or inserted. Dentures can also become weakened if they no longer fit properly when your gums shrink and change shape. Dentures being subjected to too much force over a long period of time, through teeth grinding for example, is another cause of damage.
Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Dentures
- If your dentures no longer fit comfortably, go to the dentist. The longer you wear them when they are not in the correct position, the more likely it is that they may break.
- Stand over a towel or a sink of water when removing and inserting dentures, which will cushion the fall if you do accidentally drop them.
- Always take care when handling your dentures to prevent damage.
Can They be Repaired?
Dentists can usually repair cracked or fractured dentures, strengthen dentures and remove stains. They can also repair chips in the artificial teeth or replace ones that have fallen out. Some clinics offer a postal repair service where you send your dentures to them and they try to repair them and return them to you in the same day if possible. If your dentures are quite old and have broken several times, it may be necessary to have a new set made. Dentures that have suffered a lot of damage are generally not very comfortable to wear and don’t work as efficiently.
How Long Does it Take to Repair Damaged Dentures?
The time it takes to repair a denture depends on how badly it is damaged. Replacing or repairing a damaged tooth can normally be done by the dentist on the same day. If the denture has suffered a more serious fracture however, it will take longer to repair. It may be necessary for the dentist to take an impression of your mouth, which will be sent to the lab along with your broken denture for a clinical dental technician to repair. The dentist’s ability to repair a denture depends on the extent of the damage, how old the denture is and what condition it was in before it was broken.
What Should You Do if Your Denture Breaks?
If possible keep all the broken pieces together and soak them in a glass of cold water until your appointment with the dentist. Letting the denture dry out too much may cause it to warp and lead to further damage.
The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Repair Kits
There are lots of denture repair kits available that allow you to fix your denture yourself at home. This may seem like a quick and convenient solution, but attempting to repair it yourself may end up resulting in further damage and make your denture uncomfortable to wear. Attempting to do a quick fix yourself will probably just cause more problems in the long run. It is always advisable to have your denture fixed by a qualified professional who has the correct knowledge and equipment to do a good job.
