While contemporary dentures are more lifelike and comfortable than their predecessors, Modern dentures still aren’t as robust or durable as natural teeth. So, if you knock or drop your false teeth, it’s probable that you’ll end up with a broken denture.
If you’ve had an accident and want to know how to repair broken dentures, then, fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to discuss your broken denture options and what you should, and more importantly, shouldn’t do. Let’s take a closer look.
Never attempt a DIY repair
While it may seem tempting to try and repair a broken denture yourself – don’t even go there.
Dentures are precision-crafted appliances designed to improve your bite functionality. They have been custom made to fit the contours of your mouth, and it’s unlikely that unless you happen to be a dental professional, that any repair you attempt will generate the original bite alignment.
Ultimately, you could end up with a poorly fitting denture that not only causes you discomfort but embarrassment as well. Furthermore, any repair you may have attempted could have caused further damage, and the only option may be to purchase a new denture.
How about superglue to fix broken dentures?
While superglue may offer a solution for several household repairs, it is not suitable for a broken denture and here’s why:
- Superglue releases toxins that may be harmful when ingested.
- Superglue reacts unfavourably to dental ceramic and could cause your denture to warp.
- Superglue is also water-soluble, and when placed in a moist mouth, the repair is unlikely to hold.
Now you know how not to fix broken dentures, here’s what you should be doing.
Schedule a broken dentures appointment with your dentist
If you have broken your dentures, the first thing you should do is to call your dentist and explain what has happened. Once they know the details, they can arrange an emergency dental appointment.
Most dentists or prosthetists set aside time in their daily schedule for emergencies. If you rely on your dentures to bite, chew your food, and speak with clarity, a broken denture will be considered an urgent repair.
How to fix broken dentures with a denture repair kit?
It’s likely that having broken your dentures, you will be without your denture for a short while before you can attend an appointment with your dentist or prosthetist.
If you can’t cope without your denture, it is possible to buy a broken denture repair kit from most pharmacies. While many of these kits claim to fix cracks, consider them a temporary solution until you’re able to visit a dental professional.
Follow through with your emergency appointment
While it may seem like a no-brainer, be sure you attend your emergency appointment. We’ve already mentioned that repair kits should only be considered a temporary solution as they are not intended to provide a permanent repair.
A dental professional will examine your broken denture to assess the damage. If it’s minor, such as a chip to one of the acrylic teeth, he should immediately fix it. If the damage is more severe, the denture may be sent to a lab for repair, and meanwhile, your dentist will fit you with a temporary denture.
So now you know how to fix broken dentures, and more importantly, how not to fix a broken denture.
Whether you need a denture repair or a new denture, our compassionate team at My Local Dentists West Ryde will do all they can to get you quickly smiling and eating with confidence once more. Don’t delay, contact us on (02) 9809 7000 today.