A pair of dentures is an investment in a healthy, natural-looking smile. If a patient's set breaks, it may seem tempting to try to perform an at-home repair. However, this is not a wise idea, and it can cause additional problems.

Why is it a bad idea for patients to repair their own dentures?

Dentures need to be professionally fitted to a patient. If they break, a professional re-fitting is needed after repair to ensure any needed adjustments can be made. Attempting to self-repair dentures can also cause problems for the patient and the prosthetics themselves.

Glues and other bonding agents can cause mouth irritation

Some patients turn to glue or similar agents to repair their dentures. However, these glues can cause serious irritation in the mouth, as they are not designed for oral use. Doing a denture self-repair with glue can sometimes cause an unpleasant taste, and some glues can be toxic.

The dentures may break even more

These prosthetics are delicate and can be easily broken. If someone without training attempts to make a repair, they may accidentally break the dentures further. In some cases, a DIY repair can even ruin a set completely.

A DIY fix may not fit properly

To function like natural teeth, dentures must be very closely fitted to a patient's gums. Even if a patient succeeds at a temporary at-home fix, the prosthetics may no longer fit properly. A set of dentures that fits too loosely may fall out at inopportune times, while a too-tight-fitting set can cause painful gum irritation.

What steps should a patient take if dentures break?

Attempting to fix dentures at home is not a good idea. If a patient damages their dental prosthetics, it is important to contact a dental office as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few other precautions to take.

Make sure to gather all parts

If dentures break, it is important to double-check to make sure all missing parts have been found. If they break after being dropped on the ground, it is possible for bits of the denture or wiring to scatter. Patients should thoroughly search the area where the dentures were broken to ensure all parts have been accounted for.

Store the dentures properly

Even if it is physically possible to do so, patients should not try to wear damaged dentures. Doing so can both irritate the mouth and further damage the set. Before taking dentures in for repair, patients should make sure they are stored in a protective case or soaking in a denture-specific solution. If the prosthetics normally need to be soaked overnight to retain shape, patients should keep them soaking if possible.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Denture Adjustments and Repairs in Scottsdale, AZ.

Conclusion

Broken dentures can be inconvenient and upsetting, and some patients may be tempted to try a DIY fix to remedy the problem immediately. However, to avoid further damage, patients with a broken pair should reach out to a dental office as soon as they can.

Request an appointment or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at 480-439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Recent Posts

How Your Doctor Can Help With Denture Repair

People may not think of denture repair as a regular need at the dentist’s office. However, if you have artificial teeth, there may be a time when they break or experience other issues. A dental professional has the knowledge and training to fix this apparatus, so patients should not attempt the repairs themselves. If you…

When To Get Your Denture Repaired

For patients missing several teeth, a denture can lead to a sense of normalcy. However, these dental replacements do sometimes need repair, and they often seem to break or malfunction at the most inconvenient of times. To avoid damage to the prosthetic or the patient's mouth, it can be helpful to know some of the…

How Dental Bonding Can Benefit Your Oral Health

Dental bonding can fix minor to moderate concerns with teeth, such as chips, cracks, worn-down enamel, and more. Read on to learn more about dental bonding and its uses. It is helpful to understand how dental bonding can benefit your oral health to determine if treatment is right for you or if another form of…

Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Share
Published by
Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Recent Posts

How Dental Bonding Can Benefit Your Oral Health

Dental bonding can fix minor to moderate concerns with teeth, such as chips, cracks, worn-down…

2 days ago

Modern Dental Fillings: Natural Look, Long-Lasting Results

Choosing the best material for dental fillings depends on factors such as cavity size, proximity…

6 days ago

How Dental Bonding Can Transform Smiles

Dental bonding is a non-invasive treatment that can be used to transform that the way…

6 days ago

Three Questions to Ask a Dentist if You Are Considering Dental Bonding

If you are unsure if dental bonding is right for you, then you can learn…

2 weeks ago

Dentist Near Me: A Smart Checklist for Finding the Right Local Dental Office

Searching for a dentist near me can feel simple at first, but choosing the right…

2 weeks ago

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Dentists often use dental bonding to fix tooth problems. Continue reading to learn more about…

2 weeks ago