Breakage of removable denture or denture is a serious concern that prevents normal eating and speaking habits from being maintained. If your prosthesis breaks in half, it is important that you contact a dentist so that they can give you a solution as soon as possible and be able to return to normal.
A broken denture not only makes everyday tasks such as chewing, eating, swallowing and speaking difficult, but it also aesthetically harms the smile, causing insecurities.
In general, it is the upper denture that suffers the most fractures, although it can also happen to a lower denture. One of the most serious complications of complete prostheses is their fracture. Whatever the circumstances, your dentures will need to be repaired quickly.
How to repair broken dentures?
The type and cause of the break will influence whether or not the denture can be fixed. Sometimes the prosthesis can be repaired during the same visit to the dental clinic. If, for example, a piece of pink acrylic has become detached from the prosthesis or a tooth has cracked, this can be resolved in the same consultation.
The problem occurs when the denture breaks in half. Repairing cases like this can only be done by a prosthetist, and it is necessary to send it to the dental laboratory for inspection and repair. Depending on the dental laboratory the clinic works with, the restoration can take from a day to a week.
Immediate Steps for a Broken Denture
In the event that your denture breaks, it is important that you go to your dental clinic immediately. If you cannot do this, there are other solutions that are not recommended, but that can be carried out when there are no other options: gluing the prosthesis with super glue. Although this is not recommended, if you have no other solution, be sure to only apply the glue to the cracked areas where the breakage has occurred.
It is best to use a small brush to apply the glue. It is not advisable to pour it directly from the bottle as it could spill over the rest of the teeth, making it difficult to remove it when going to fix it. This type of temporary repair should always be performed outside the mouth. The pieces must be held together firmly until the glue has completely set.
Long-Term Solutions and Prevention for Denture Breakage
Many times you cannot control the condition of the denture, but in many cases, a denture breaks due to accidents that could have been avoided. If your denture has broken because it no longer fits properly, your dentist may recommend relining the denture. If your dentures are old and worn, your dentist will probably recommend a new, better-fitting denture. Bone loss is common for all people who wear removable dentures and often increases over time.
An overdenture retained with dental implants is an excellent option to help delay and even prevent bone loss. These custom-made overdentures fit better and provide greater confidence during everyday activities, such as eating, drinking, and speaking.
Prosthesis care and maintenance
It is important to ensure that the care and maintenance of your dentures is optimal to avoid problems. Dentures may seem very strong, and they are to a certain extent. However, they have their limitations and that is why you have to be careful with them. Teeth can become loose and even break at the base if you chew something too hard with them. Additionally, any part of the denture can fracture, chip, or break if it is bumped during cleaning.
To keep your dental prostheses in perfect condition, we recommend:
- Rinse and clean the prosthesis after each meal: This’ll help remove any food particles that may have lodged underneath it.
- Handle the prosthesis with care: Dropping dentures is the most common form of fracture. It’s important not to bend the hooks and we recommend putting a towel in the sink when handling the prosthesis outside the mouth to avoid bumps if it slips.
- Brush dentures daily: Check that nothing accumulates in them that could damage them.
- Some dentures need to be soaked overnight: as they need to be kept moist to prolong their life. Your dentist will inform you of the particularities of your type of prosthesis and the type of maintenance it requires.
To avoid future mishaps, it’s essential to realize that prevention is crucial to preparing for and preventing any dental emergency. Any kind of dentures deteriorate over time, but they can also last much longer with proper care. Good maintenance of dentures can ensure that they are comfortable, function properly, and look natural. Find out about our dental prosthesis treatments and make an appointment at your nearest Chagger Dental Clinic.
