3210 Wilkinson Blvd, Ste. B-2, Charlotte, NC 28208
What to Do If You Damage Your Dentures
Many patients find dentures to be excellent substitutes for natural teeth. However, over time, they may require adjustments or even remaking due to normal wear. Dental professionals recommend against attempting to repair dentures on your own, as this could lead to irreversible damage.
At Urban Family Dental, we can assist with denture repairs in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Accidents can happen, and damaged dentures can not only be uncomfortable but may also cause injury to your mouth. We’re here to help. Call us at (704) 900-5445 to schedule an appointment today.
How Dentures Get Damaged
While dentures can last for many years, some damage is inevitable and often occurs gradually due to regular wear. Changes in the mouth and jaw over time can lead to poor fitting, which may cause undue stress on the dentures when biting down.
Additionally, metal clasps—often found in dental bridges—can become loose or break. Sudden impacts can also damage dentures. The American Dental Association recommends having dentures evaluated by a professional if the prosthetic teeth are cracked, broken, or missing.
Patients may benefit from using denture adhesive as they adjust to their dentures. It's important to check the fit regularly; if dentures become loose and require more adhesive for stability, they should be examined. Falling out can result in cracks or other damage from impact.
Tips To Care For Dentures
As fragile items, dentures require proper care to prevent damage and ensure longevity. The American College of Prosthodontists advises treating dentures like fine china. Here are some guidelines to follow for maintaining your dentures:
- Protect During Cleaning: When washing dentures, hold them over a folded towel or a basin of water to soften any impact if they slip from your hands.
- Use Approved Products: Clean dentures with brushes and products that are ADA-approved.
- Soak When Not in Use: Store dentures in a solution or water when not being worn to prevent them from drying out.
- Avoid Hot Water: Never use hot or boiling water to clean dentures, as it can warp their shape.
- Daily Cleaning: Clean your dentures every day, and also brush your gums, tongue, and palate to remove plaque before inserting them.
- Use Adhesive: Consider using denture adhesive to help keep them stable in your mouth.
- Adjust for Fit: If your dentures don’t fit properly, get them adjusted. A good fit reduces the risk of them falling out.
- Keep Away from Pets and Children: Store dentures in a safe place, away from pets and young children, to avoid accidents.
What to Do If Your Dentures Get Damaged
Accidents can happen despite all precautions. If dentures are damaged, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dental professional for repairs or adjustments. In the meantime, here are some proactive steps patients can take:
- Collect All Pieces: If the dentures break, gather all parts and wires to bring to the dentist’s office.
- Use Dental Wax: Apply dental wax as a temporary barrier if any wires are rubbing against the gums.
- Avoid Wearing Damaged Dentures: Do not continue to wear damaged dentures. Soak them to keep them moist.
- Transport Carefully: Place the dentures in a case for safe transport to the dentist.
- Avoid Over-the-Counter Glues: Do not use any adhesives not approved for human use, as they may cause further issues.
The time required to fix dentures can vary based on several factors. If immediate repairs aren’t possible, patients may want to discuss alternative options with their dentist while waiting for their repair. Some patients find it helpful to have a spare set of dentures in case their primary set gets damaged.
Fixing Dentures at Home
Most dentists recommend against patients attempting to fix their own dentures at home. While some repairs may provide short-term relief, there is a risk of causing further damage or introducing unsafe chemicals into the mouth. The best course of action is to contact our team for advice on a temporary fix while waiting for a dental appointment.
Similarly, The American College of Prosthodontists advises against using over-the-counter glues or home repair kits for denture repairs. If a patient decides to use a home repair kit, they should ensure it is FDA-approved for dental use. It's essential to schedule an appointment with our team as soon as possible, as these kits can only provide temporary solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
New patients and emergency appointments welcome
Invisalign® Terminology
Alveolar Bone
The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
Clasp
A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
Denture Base
The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
Denture Base
The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
Edentulous
Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
Pontic
Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
Rebase
Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.
Reline
Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.
Resin/Acrylic
Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.