Broken Dentures? Here is What to Do Next
Source: Dr. Marketing
Dentures are more than just a dental appliance—they are an integral part of your daily life, restoring not only your ability to eat and speak comfortably but also your confidence and smile. When dentures break or become damaged, it can be a stressful experience. The sudden inconvenience, discomfort, and impact on your everyday routine can leave you wondering what to do next.
At Total Dental Care of South Carolina, located in Columbia, South Carolina, we understand the urgency of such situations and offer quick, reliable solutions to restore your dentures' function and comfort. In this guide, we will explore why dentures break, what to do if it happens, and how professional emergency denture repairs can help you get back to your normal life as soon as possible.
Why Do Dentures Break? Understanding the Causes
Despite being designed for durability, dentures are not indestructible. They are subjected to daily wear and tear, and over time, various factors can contribute to their damage. Here are some common reasons why dentures break:
Natural Wear and Tear
Like most things, dentures have a lifespan. Daily use, including chewing, grinding, and biting, can wear down the materials, causing them to weaken over time. Even with the best care, most dentures need to be relined, rebased, or replaced every 5 to 10 years to maintain their effectiveness.
Accidental Drops
One of the most common reasons for denture breakage is dropping them. Whether it is during cleaning, handling, or taking them out at night, a hard surface can easily crack or shatter the acrylic base or chip a tooth on the denture.
Poor Fit and Loose Dentures
Over time, changes in your gum and bone structure can cause dentures to become loose. Loose dentures move around while eating or speaking, increasing the risk of breakage. Regular dental checkups can help adjust the fit and prevent damage.
Biting Hard Foods or Objects
Dentures are designed to handle normal chewing forces, but they are not as strong as natural teeth. Biting down on hard foods like nuts, ice, or using your dentures to open packaging can exert excessive pressure and cause them to crack or break.
Incorrect Cleaning Methods
Using abrasive cleaners or hard brushes can damage the surface of your dentures. Additionally, exposing them to hot water can warp the acrylic material, compromising their fit and structural integrity.
What to Do When Your Dentures Break: A Step-by-Step Guide
Facing a denture emergency can be unsettling, but taking the right steps can help minimize discomfort and prevent further damage. Here is what to do:
Remove Your Dentures Carefully
If your dentures are cracked, broken, or causing discomfort, take them out immediately. Avoid trying to wear them, as this could lead to gum irritation or make the damage worse.
Store Them Safely
Place the damaged dentures in a safe container, preferably in water or a denture solution, to keep them moist. This prevents them from drying out and warping, which could complicate repairs.
Avoid DIY Repairs
While there are denture repair kits available, attempting to fix your dentures at home is not recommended. Using household adhesives like super glue is unsafe and can introduce harmful chemicals to your mouth. Furthermore, improper repairs might make it difficult for a professional to fix them correctly later.
Contact Total Dental Care of South Carolina Immediately
The sooner you address the issue with a professional, the better. At Total Dental Care of South Carolina, located in Columbia, South Carolina, we offer emergency denture repair services to ensure you are not without your dentures for long. Our team can assess the damage, provide reliable solutions, and get your smile back on track quickly.
Why Professional Denture Repairs Are Essential
When dentures break, professional repair is the safest and most effective solution. Here is why trusting a dental professional is important:
Expertise in Denture Materials
Professionals use high-quality dental-grade materials for repairs, ensuring that the fixed denture is safe, durable, and comfortable. Unlike DIY methods, professional repairs restore both function and aesthetics.
Precise Fitting Adjustments
If your dentures have become loose or uncomfortable, a dental professional can adjust the fit to prevent further damage. This may involve a reline or rebase, which enhances the stability of your dentures and improves comfort.
Long-Term Solutions
Emergency fixes at home might provide temporary relief, but they do not address underlying issues such as changes in your mouth's shape or denture wear. Professional repairs include a thorough examination to ensure your dentures and oral health are both in good condition.
How We Can Help with Emergency Denture Repairs
We specialize in comprehensive denture care, including emergency repairs, relines, and replacements. When you visit us with damaged dentures, you can expect:
Quick Assessment and Repair Services
We prioritize emergency denture repairs to minimize disruption to your daily life. Our team will evaluate the extent of the damage and provide fast, effective solutions to restore your dentures.
Relines and Rebases for Better Fit
If your dentures no longer fit properly, we offer reline and rebase services. Relining involves adding new material to the inside of the denture base, while rebasing replaces the entire base but keeps the existing denture teeth.
Custom Denture Replacements
Sometimes, dentures are beyond repair. In these cases, we offer custom-made replacements that are crafted to fit comfortably, function properly, and enhance the natural appearance of your smile.
Preventive Care and Education
We also educate our patients on how to care for their dentures properly, helping prevent future emergencies. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor the condition of your dentures and make adjustments as needed.
Preventing Denture Breakages: Practical Tips for Everyday Care
To avoid emergency repairs, adopting proper care and maintenance habits is key:
- Handle with Care: Always clean your dentures over a soft surface or a basin filled with water to cushion accidental drops.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: These can exert excessive pressure on your dentures and cause damage.
- Use Proper Cleaning Solutions: Stick to denture-specific cleaning products and avoid harsh chemicals or hot water.
- Store Properly: When not in use, keep your dentures in a denture solution to maintain their shape.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups at Total Dental Care of South Carolina, located in Columbia, South Carolina can help detect minor issues before they become major problems.
Restoring Comfort and Confidence with Professional Denture Repairs
A broken denture can feel like a setback, but with the right approach, it does not have to disrupt your life. Taking immediate action, avoiding DIY fixes, and seeking professional care are the best steps to ensure your dentures are repaired safely and effectively.
We understand how important your dentures are to your daily routine and confidence. Our dedicated team is here to provide fast, reliable, and high-quality emergency denture repair services. Whether you need a quick fix, a reline, or a full replacement, we have the expertise to restore your smile and comfort.
Do not let a broken denture hold you back—contact Total Dental Care of South Carolina, located in Columbia, South Carolina today to schedule an appointment and let us help you regain the comfort and function of your dentures. Your smile is our priority, and we are committed to keeping it bright and healthy!
