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 San Francisco, CA.

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 Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry at 415-362-1102 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.

Related Posts

How Your Doctor Can Help With Denture Repair

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…

Coffee, Wine, And Summer Fun: Is It Time To Brighten Your Smile?

Summer is full of backyard barbecues, beach days, vacations, and celebrations—but it can also leave your smile looking a little less bright. If you've been enjoying iced coffee, red wine, tea, berries, or colorful summer treats, you may have noticed your teeth aren't as white as they were a few months ago.If you're looking to…

Back-to-School Dental Checkups: Why August Is The Best Time To Schedule

Summer flies by, and before you know it, it's time for backpacks, school supplies, and busy schedules. While preparing for the new school year, don't forget one important item—a dental checkup.Scheduling your family's dental cleaning and exam in August helps ensure everyone starts the school year with a healthy smile before calendars become packed with…

Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry

Share
Published by
Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry

Recent Posts

Coffee, Wine, and Summer Fun: Is It Time to Brighten Your Smile?

Summer is full of backyard barbecues, beach days, vacations, and celebrations—but it can also leave…

2 days ago

Back-to-School Dental Checkups: Why August Is the Best Time to Schedule

Summer flies by, and before you know it, it's time for backpacks, school supplies, and…

1 week ago

Thinking About Veneers? What Every Patient Should Know Before Getting Started

If you've ever admired a celebrity's flawless smile or wished you could correct chipped, stained,…

2 weeks ago

Chipped a Tooth During Summer Vacation? Here’s What to Do

Summer vacations are all about making memories, whether you're exploring the California coast, hiking scenic…

2 weeks ago

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Start Invisalign

Thinking about straightening your teeth but waiting for the “perfect time” to begin? Summer may…

2 weeks ago

Summer Drinks That Are Secretly Staining Your Teeth

Summer in San Francisco is the perfect time to enjoy iced coffee on the waterfront,…

2 weeks ago