Are Your Dentures Cracked or Broken? What to Do Next
Modern dentures are made to withstand normal wear and tear. If you break yours, however, it is only natural to hope that they can be repaired.
People are increasingly concerned about their smiles in this digital age, which has made dentures a convenient option to replace missing teeth. Although dentures are often associated with the older generation, surveys have shown that young people have them fitted as well. For example, a 2019 survey found that 14% of people aged between 18 to 39 have dentures.
Don't Try to Repair Your Denture
Repairing a cracked denture is not a DIY activity. There are many consumer denture repair kits in the market today, but you can end up damaging your denture even further. A dentist needs to evaluate your denture to identify the cause of the crack and piece it back correctly. No matter how simple the repair looks, you are unlikely to get the parts together properly on your own.
If you place an ill-fitting denture back in your mouth, you will most likely experience difficulty when chewing. A dentist can protect your oral health by making the necessary adjustments to your denture to ensure it fits properly.
Call Your Dentist
A denture fracture can quickly become a dental emergency if it interferes with tasks like eating and chewing. Dentures commonly break in the following ways:
- The tooth breaks or comes off
- The pink acrylic breaks off
- The denture breaks in half
Once you determine which of the above cases has occurred, contact a dentist to schedule an emergency appointment. You should also explain what part of the denture has broken to give your dentist a clearer picture of the situation. Keep in mind that any temporary repair you do at home can mean that you'll need to buy new dentures if done incorrectly.
Visit the Dental Office
If you can, carry all parts of the denture when going to the dentist since it will make repairs easier. If the denture tooth has fallen out, you can place it in a plastic bag and take it with you to the appointment. The denture repair process will be more straightforward if the tooth has chipped, as all the dentist will do is furnish the denture with a new tooth.
Your dentist will carefully examine your denture and determine the cause of the fracture. They will also determine if they can repair the denture or if you will need new ones. If the denture can be repaired, they will specify the repair instructions and send it to a dental laboratory. Dentures must be repaired by a skilled technician for maximum comfort and fit.
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