Broken Denture? Here’s What You Can Do

If you suffer from severe tooth loss, your dentures in Sumter, SC, can become crucial to your life. Besides allowing you to eat and speak with ease, dentures help patients restore their confidence in their smile, allowing them to make the most of every interaction and enjoy their daily life.  

For that reason, a broken denture can feel like the end of the world. Luckily, there are certain things you can do before a professional dentist restores your appliance to reduce damage.

What to Do if a Denture Breaks

Dentures, whether partial or full, are typically made from durable materials such as acrylic and metal and are built to last. However, accidents can and do happen, resulting in the need for repair.  

Maybe you dropped your appliance, resulting in cracks or breaks, or maybe you bit on something that was a little bit too tough. Even natural changes in the shape of your gums or bone structure can lead to dentures becoming loose and potentially breaking. Whatever it is, you shouldn’t ignore them.  

Chips or fractures in your denture can be ideal for bacteria to thrive. Even if you no longer have teeth, this can lead to issues like gum disease. Moreover, dentures with an improper fit can irritate your gums and cause sores.

Timely repairs also often help avoid the need for a completely new appliance, saving costs in the long run. Here is what you should do to achieve that.

1. Stop Using the Dentures

If you see any damage, whether a chip, crack, or complete break, you should stop wearing them immediately. If you keep wearing broken dentures, you risk aggravating the damage or injuring your tongue, cheeks, or gums.

2. Examine the Damage (Carefully)

Try to assess the extent of the damage, so that you can tell your dentist what happened in detail. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is it a clean split?

• Are any teeth missing?

• Is it a minor chip or a fractured clasp?

3. Do NOT Attempt a DIY Repair

You may be tempted to investigate YouTube for techniques on how to repair dentures at home. However, doing so can shorten the lifetime of your restoration—and even put your health at risk.

Super glue and other over-the-counter glues and adhesives are unsafe to use in your mouth. They can be toxic, create poor bonding, and later complicate professional repairs.

4. Store the Dentures Safely

Store the broken pieces in a container with water or a clean, dry denture case. If food debris is still present, rinse them gently with lukewarm water, as hot water can distort the material.

5. Contact Your Dentist Immediately

Contact your prosthodontist or general dentist to make an appointment for urgent repair or replacement.  

If a complete replacement is necessary and takes time, your dentist might offer a temporary denture as a quick solution.

Protect the Longevity of Your Dentures in Sumter, SC

Dentures are strong restorations that, with proper care, can last up to 10 years or more. However, they are susceptible to wear and tear damage and may eventually need some repairs.  

If you’d like a professional to assess the state of your dentures and help you achieve that, contact Wesmark Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment!