Broken Denture
Having a denture that fits well is important for proper eating and speaking. The condition of your dentures is just as important as the condition of your natural teeth. Keeping regular dental check-ups is necessary even if you are wearing dentures as your dentist will inspect and maintain them accordingly. If your dentures no longer fit properly or are broken, it can lead to serious issues.
What Happens If Dentures Do Not Fit Properly?
You can have the following problems:
- Irritation of the gums
- Ulcers
- Bacterial and fungal infections
- Difficulty eating due to poor retention
- Pain
- Increased bone loss
Common Causes of Broken Dentures
Dentures are made for chewing and biting but they are not as strong and durable as your natural teeth. The constant stress and strain due to chewing forces over time can cause dentures to break. A typical denture will last about five to seven years and will need repairs or replacements.
There is never a good time to have a broken denture. One of the most common causes of denture breakage is general wear and tear. As they get older, they become prone to cracks and eventually break apart. Progressive bone loss over the years can cause the denture to loosen. It will move around in your mouth more easily and the lack of stability can cause stress and pressure points which ultimately lead to the denture breaking.
Another common reason is when one drops a denture into a sink when cleaning the former. It can also occur when a denture is loose in the mouth and falls out when speaking or eating.
Why You Should Not Try To Repair Your Own Broken Denture?
While it is tempting to try to fix it yourself using household superglues, it is not advisable to do so. These glues contain substances that are toxic and not safe for human consumption. It may lead to sickness and nausea.
Also, if it is not properly repaired, it can cause damage to your natural teeth and gums.
What To Do When You Break Your Denture?
You should contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. You need to get your denture checked as soon as possible.
A denture can break in different places. Is it the pink acrylic part that is damaged? Or is it one of the teeth that have come off? Is the denture broken into two or more pieces?
We will examine your denture and determine if it is worth saving. In some cases, it is possible to repair on the spot or we may have to send it to a denture laboratory for more extensive repairs. Sometimes, it is not possible to repair but to replace with a new denture.
What Are The Denture Replacement Options?
Depending on your budget, removable dentures might still be your best option. However, with dentures, bone loss over time will again affect the fit of the dentures. Poorly-fitting dentures can cause your face to change making you appear older. Even the best-made dentures will move a little when you eat because they are not firmly anchored to your jaws.
The good news is that there are more permanent solutions that not only look and function better than dentures but will also help to slow down bone loss. These include implant-retained dentures and implant-supported crowns or bridges. These false teeth are held firmly to your jaws by implants making them more secure and comfortable when you eat and speak. And they look better too!
Benefits of dental implants include:
- Improved ability to chew and speak
- Preservation of bone
- Better esthetics
- Increased confidence
- Long-term solution
- Less maintenance
Speak to our dentist to see if implants will be a better option for you.
Even the best-made dentures will deteriorate over time and eventually need replacement. Your best prevention is to ensure you take proper care of them and have them checked regularly by your dentist. Always brush and rinse your dentures regularly each day and soak them in water overnight. When cleaning your dentures, place a face towel in the sink so as to absorb the forces should you drop them. This will reduce the chances of breakage.
Schedule an Appointment
Regular dental checkups will allow your dentist to monitor them for fractures and wear. If it has been a while since your last visit, contact us for an appointment. Our prosthodontist specialises in dentures too and will ensure that you have comfortable and natural-looking dentures.
