Dentures are a durable replacement for natural teeth, but they do not last forever. Over time they need adjusting, relining, or remaking as your mouth changes, and accidents happen. A dropped denture or a cracked base can make it painful to wear and can injure your gums.
The most important advice we can give: do not try to fix dentures yourself. Home repairs often make them unrepairable. At Singh Smile Care in Glendale we repair, adjust, and reline dentures. Here is how damage happens, how to prevent it, and what to do when it does.
How Dentures Get Damaged
Most damage is gradual. As your mouth and jaw change shape, the denture fits less well, and that puts stress on it every time you bite. Metal clasps on partials loosen or break. A sudden impact, like dropping a denture on the sink, can crack it. Loose dentures that fall out are more likely to crack, too. If prosthetic teeth are cracked, broken, or missing, have them looked at professionally.
- Poor fit from changes in your mouth
- Loosened or broken clasps
- Drops and impacts
- Dentures that dry out and warp
Caring for Your Dentures
Treat dentures like fine china. Clean them over a folded towel or a basin of water so a drop does not break them. Use a denture brush and products made for dentures. When they are out, keep them in water or soaking solution, never dry, and never in hot water, which warps them. Clean them daily and brush your gums, tongue, and palate before putting them in.
- Clean over a towel or basin of water
- Soak in water or solution when not worn
- Never use hot or boiling water
- Keep away from pets and children
- Have the fit adjusted when it feels off
What to Do When They Break
Call us to schedule a repair. Until then, gather every broken piece and wire. Stop wearing the damaged denture, keep it moist, and bring it in its case. If a wire is rubbing, dental wax can cover the sharp spot. Avoid over-the-counter glues; many are not safe for use in the mouth. Repair time depends on the damage, and we can talk through temporary options. Some patients keep a spare set.
- Save all the pieces
- Stop wearing it and keep it moist
- No superglue or household adhesives
- Bring it in its case
Why Not Fix Them at Home
Home repair kits are a short-term fix at best. They can cause more damage, change the fit, and introduce chemicals that do not belong in your mouth. Prosthodontic guidelines advise against them. If you ever use one in a pinch, make sure it is approved for dental use and see us as soon as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repair my own dentures?
A very minor temporary fix is sometimes possible, but anything beyond that needs a professional. Self-repair often causes more damage and can make a repairable denture unrepairable.
What if a tooth falls out of my denture?
Save the tooth and bring it with you. If it is lost, a denture lab usually has matching replacement teeth. Either way, call us so we can get it fixed.
Can I use superglue on my dentures?
No. Glues not approved for dental use do not bond well, are not safe in the mouth, and some dissolve in saliva. It can also ruin the denture for a proper repair.
Why do dentures warp or crack?
Letting them dry out changes their shape. Hot water warps them. Drops crack them. And a poor fit stresses the denture every time you chew. All of these are avoidable with proper care and regular adjustments.
How long should my dentures last?
Up to about 10 years with good care. Dentures more than five years old should be evaluated. If teeth are cracked, broken, or missing, replacement may be a better choice than repair.
Broken Denture? Bring It In
Call (623) 400-6009 and we will get your dentures repaired and fitting right.
