Many patients find dentures excellent replacements for natural teeth. Over time, however, they may need to be adjusted or remade from normal wear. Dental professionals advise patients against fixing dentures themselves because they could damage the denture beyond repair.
At Oak Tree Dental, we can help you with fixing dentures in Poway and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and dentures can get damaged. This may not only be uncomfortable but also cause injury to your mouth. We may be able to help. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment today.
How dentures get damaged
Though dentures will last for many years, some damage is inevitable and occurs gradually with regular wear. The mouth and jaw change over time which can cause dentures to fit poorly. It is possible for improper fit to damage dentures, as misalignment may cause undue stress to the devices when the patient bites down.
Furthermore, metal clasps, more common in dental bridges, can come loose or break off. Some dentures get damaged suddenly from an impact. The American Dental Association recommends dentures be evaluated by a professional when the prosthetic teeth are ill-fitting or damaged. We encourage patients to do the same if they misplace their dentures.
Patients may find it beneficial to use denture adhesive to help get used to dentures. Dentures should be checked for fit when they become loose and need more adhesive to stabilize. If dentures fall out, the impact could damage and crack them.
“The mouth and jaw change over time, which can cause dentures to fit poorly.”
Tips to care for dentures
As fragile items, dentures must be adequately taken care of to prevent damage. Good habits increase the longevity of dentures and bridges. The American College of Prosthodontists recommends treating dentures like fine china. Patients should follow these guidelines to take care of dentures:
- When washing dentures, hold them over a folded towel or basin of water. If dentures get dropped, it will soften the impact
- Use denture brushes and cleaning products approved by the ADA
- Soak dentures in a solution or jaw of water when not being worn. Otherwise, they run the risk of being dried out
- Refrain from using hot water to clean dentures. Hot or boiling water can warp dentures
- Clean your dentures every day. Patients should brush their gums, tongue, and palate to remove plaque before inserting dentures
- Use adhesive to help dentures remain stable in the mouth
- Get dentures adjusted when the fit seems off. Dentures that fit correctly are less likely to fall out
- Keep dentures away from pets and children
“Good habits increase the longevity of dentures and bridges.”
What to do when dentures get damaged
Accidents still happen despite all precautions. If dentures are damaged, the patient should make an appointment with a dental professional for repairs or adjustments. Fortunately, there are proactive steps patients can take until they can get to the dentist:
- If the dentures break, gather all of the wires and parts to take to the dentist’s office
- Use dental wax as a temporary barrier if wires are rubbing against the gums
- Do not continue wearing damaged dentures. Soak the dentures to keep them moist
- Place the dentures in the case to transport them to the dentist’s office
- Do not use over-the-counter glues. Not all such products have been approved for human use
The amount of time it takes to fix dentures depends on many factors. If the dentures cannot be repaired immediately, patients may want to discuss other options with their dentist while waiting for their repair. Some patients have a spare set of dentures just in case the regular set gets damaged.
“Fortunately, there are still proactive steps patients can take until they can get to the dentist.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures in Poway, CA
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: The importance of seeing a dentist for denture repair
While do-it-yourself repair kits exist, the more reliable way to deal with damaged dentures is to see a dentist as soon as possible. It is important to have a professional evaluate the fit and repair or replace the dentures properly. Many repairs can be performed within a couple of days.
Following your dentist's recommendations is the best way to reduce the likelihood of damage and to catch it quickly when it does occur. Proper care and cleaning can minimize the risk of breakage. Checking in with your dentist every six months can help catch minor damage before it worsens.
“It is important to have a professional evaluate the fit and repair or replace the dentures properly.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. How do dentures get damaged?
Q. How can I care for my dentures?
Q. What should I do if I have damaged my dentures?
Q. What is the importance of seeing a dentist for denture repair?
People also ask
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Q. Can a dentist help ensure my dentures are in good condition?
Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. What lifestyle changes will people experience after getting dentures?
Q. How can I care for my dentures?
Q. What is a partial removable denture for one missing tooth?
Frequently asked questions
Dentists caution against using superglue to repair a break. This material is not intended for use on anything that goes in the mouth. The chemicals in it can cause toxic reactions. In addition, it can be difficult to remove and can prevent a dentist from performing proper repairs.
This depends on the type of damage and the age of your dentures. Most dentures last between five and 10 years with proper care. If a denture is at the end of its lifespan, it can make sense to get a replacement. Likewise, a high level of damage may not be worth repairing.
Proper care can help you wear your dentures comfortably for the maximum possible time period. Reduce the risk of cracks and other impact damage by only handling the dentures over a soft surface such as a towel. Following your dentist's care and cleaning instructions can help avoid cracks and abrasions.
Damaged dentures tend to cause a bad fit. Continuing to wear ill-fitting dentures instead of fixing them can lead to problems such as gum pain, irritation, sores, and even infection. Poor placement can also affect the ability to chew food, resulting in digestive issues.
Many types of damage can be repaired. If the damage affects a specific tooth replacement or only the base of the dentures, it may be possible to replace only the affected part. Your dentist will inspect the dentures and make an appropriate recommendation.
Even with careful maintenance, dentures do not last forever. Your dentist will give you care instructions to help you extend the life of your dentures as thoroughly as possible. Be sure to follow your dentist's advice on how to safely clean dentures, such as avoiding abrasive cleaning material and whitening toothpaste, bleach-containing products, and hot water that could warp your dentures.
Denture terminology
Call us today
Damaged dentures only get worse with time. Only a dental professional can address these problems. Take care of your oral health needs. Call us at 858-748-2101 for an appointment to fix your dentures or get an adjustment for a better fit.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.