Everything You Need to Know About Broken Dentures – Part 1

Dentures are an excellent solution for those who have lost their teeth due to decay, injury, or other reasons. They restore the appearance of your teeth, make it easier to eat and speak, and increase your confidence. However, like any other dental appliance, dentures are not indestructible and can break or become damaged over time. 

This article will discuss everything you need to know about broken dentures, including the types of damage, causes, and what to do if your dentures break.

Types of Damage to Dentures

Dentures can break or become damaged in different ways, and the type of damage will determine the necessary treatment. The most common types of damage include:

1. Cracks: Cracks are the most common type of damage to dentures. They can be minor or extensive and occur for various reasons, such as biting down on hard foods, dropping dentures, or normal wear and tear.
2. Chips: Chipping occurs when a small piece of the denture breaks off. It can be caused by biting down on something hard or an accidental drop.
3. Loose or Missing Teeth: Over time, the teeth of a denture can become loose or even fall out, making it difficult to eat and speak.
4. Staining: Dentures can become stained over time due to food and drink consumption, smoking, or poor maintenance.

What Causes Broken Dentures?

Several factors can cause dentures to break, and understanding them is essential to prevent any future damage. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Age: Over time, dentures can become brittle and more prone to breaking, especially if they are not properly cared for.
2. Improper Handling: Dentures can only be recovered if they are handled with care. Dropping them, using harsh cleaning agents, or brushing them with abrasive materials can cause cracks and chips.
3. Poor Maintenance: Failing to clean your dentures regularly can cause bacteria buildup, which can lead to discoloration, warping, and other types of damage.
4. Fitting Dentures: Ill-fitting dentures can cause undue pressure on certain areas, leading to cracks, chips, or even broken dentures.

What to Do If Your Dentures Break?

If dentures break, acting quickly to avoid additional damage and discomfort is crucial. Firstly, remove the dentures immediately to prevent swallowing any small pieces. Then, assess the damage and look for visible cracks or chips. Contact your dentist or a denture specialist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. They will evaluate the damage and advise on the appropriate treatment. It’s crucial to avoid trying to fix the dentures yourself as this could lead to further damage and make it harder to fix.

Do You Need to Replace Your Dentures?

Whether or not you need to replace your dentures depends on the damage’s severity and type. In some cases, minor damage can be repaired, but in other cases, the dentures may need to be replaced entirely. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Age of the Dentures: If your dentures are relatively new, they may be worth repairing. However, replacing them may be more cost-effective if they are old and have been repaired multiple times.
2. Extent of Damage: If the damage is minor, such as a small chip or crack, it may be possible to repair the dentures. However, if the damage is extensive, such as a broken base or several missing teeth, it may be necessary to replace them.
3. Personal Preference: If you are unhappy with the appearance or fit of your dentures, it may be a good idea to replace them, even if they are not damaged.

Conclusion

Broken dentures can be a frustrating and uncomfortable problem, but there are several steps you can take to prevent damage and protect your investment. If your dentures break, you must take immediate action and seek professional help to prevent further damage and discomfort. In part two of this article, we will discuss preventive measures to avoid broken dentures and how to care for them to extend their lifespan properly.

Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Contact Weymouth Dental Arts now for high-quality dentures in Weymouth. Our experienced denturist will help you find the perfect fit and ensure your new dentures are comfortable and easy to wear!