A pair of dentures is an investment in a healthy, natural-looking smile. If a patient's set breaks, it may seem tempting to try to perform an at-home repair. However, this is not a wise idea, and it can cause additional problems.
Why is it a bad idea for patients to repair their own dentures?
Dentures need to be professionally fitted to a patient. If they break, a professional re-fitting is needed after repair to ensure any needed adjustments can be made. Attempting to self-repair dentures can also cause problems for the patient and the prosthetics themselves.
Glues and other bonding agents can cause mouth irritation
Some patients turn to glue or similar agents to repair their dentures. However, these glues can cause serious irritation in the mouth, as they are not designed for oral use. Doing a denture self-repair with glue can sometimes cause an unpleasant taste, and some glues can be toxic.
The dentures may break even more
These prosthetics are delicate and can be easily broken. If someone without training attempts to make a repair, they may accidentally break the dentures further. In some cases, a DIY repair can even ruin a set completely.
A DIY fix may not fit properly
To function like natural teeth, dentures must be very closely fitted to a patient's gums. Even if a patient succeeds at a temporary at-home fix, the prosthetics may no longer fit properly. A set of dentures that fits too loosely may fall out at inopportune times, while a too-tight-fitting set can cause painful gum irritation.
What steps should a patient take if dentures break?
Attempting to fix dentures at home is not a good idea. If a patient damages their dental prosthetics, it is important to contact a dental office as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few other precautions to take.
Make sure to gather all parts
If dentures break, it is important to double-check to make sure all missing parts have been found. If they break after being dropped on the ground, it is possible for bits of the denture or wiring to scatter. Patients should thoroughly search the area where the dentures were broken to ensure all parts have been accounted for.
Store the dentures properly
Even if it is physically possible to do so, patients should not try to wear damaged dentures. Doing so can both irritate the mouth and further damage the set. Before taking dentures in for repair, patients should make sure they are stored in a protective case or soaking in a denture-specific solution. If the prosthetics normally need to be soaked overnight to retain shape, patients should keep them soaking if possible.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Denture Adjustments and Repairs in Gainesville, GA.
Conclusion
Broken dentures can be inconvenient and upsetting, and some patients may be tempted to try a DIY fix to remedy the problem immediately. However, to avoid further damage, patients with a broken pair should reach out to a dental office as soon as they can.
Request an appointment or call GDC Smiles at 770-504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.
Recent Posts
Wear and tear make denture repairs inevitable in the long run. This is why a general dentistry practice that deals with dentures should have in-house facilities for minor and moderate repairs. The practice should also have quick access to a dental lab in case a patient needs major repairs for their dentures. Knowing when to…
A denture repair should be your top priority when your denture breaks or becomes damaged. This prosthetic device fills out all the empty spaces in your mouth. It is crucial to care for your denture since the missing teeth can compromise your eating habits, speech, and appearance. This dental device is durable enough to handle…
People may not think of denture repair as a regular need at the dentist’s office. However, if you have artificial teeth, there may be a time when they break or experience other issues. A dental professional has the knowledge and training to fix this apparatus, so patients should not attempt the repairs themselves. If you…