Your dentures aren’t your real teeth, but you need them everyday to make tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling much easier. If your denture breaks, it can be hard to go about your day like you normally would. There are many different reasons for this, and it is a perfectly valid reason to want to see your emergency dentist. Here are some of the things that can contribute to broken dentures as well as some possible solutions.
What Causes Dentures to Break?
Dentures can break for numerous different reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Wear and tear: Sadly, dentures have yet to be made to last forever. While they are highly durable, if you have had them for many years, they will begin to break down and might require repairs or need to be replaced.
- Accidents: You can never predict when an accident or injury will happen. Dentures can be damaged by falls and other injuries.
- Improper usage: When you aren’t taking certain precautions, your dentures probably won’t last as long. Pushing them to their limit will only cause them to break in the future.
- Ill-fit: If your dentures aren’t fitting as they should, this can cause discomfort and other issues, even if they aren’t technically “broken.” This typically happens as a result of bone loss.
What Should I Do If I Break My Denture?
If your denture breaks or you don’t think that it is fitting as it should, you should give your dentist a call and make an urgent appointment. This way, they can get you into the office right away to deal with it. Avoid using repair kits that you find over the counter. Without proper knowledge of dentures, you could end up causing additional damage.
How Are Broken Dentures Fixed?
Depending on how old your dentures are and how severe the damage is, your dentist will probably recommend one of the following solutions:
- Reline: This is usually the best option if your dentures haven’t been fitting properly anymore. They will reshape the underside of the denture, allowing it to fit more comfortably in your mouth.
- Replacement: If your denture has seen better days or is significantly damaged, your dentist will probably recommend that you have a new one made that will be more comfortable.
- Dental implants: If your dentist believes that you would make a good candidate, he may suggest that you consider dental implant dentures. They offer greater stability and prevent bone loss.
You can’t go on with a broken denture, so don’t wait it out. Give your dentist a call so you can get your smile all fixed up!
About the Author
Dr. Mo Saleh earned his dental doctorate from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has received advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Greater Cleveland Dental Society, and Light Force America. If your dentures are broken, he’d be happy to take a look. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Brecksville, visit his website or call (440) 546-9494.