If you have dentures, whether partial or full, then you have already gone through the hassle of losing teeth and having them restored. Dentures restore the full function and look of your teeth with life-changing benefits and the last thing you want is to have to live without them again, but accidents can happen, and broken dentures are always a possibility.
The huge inconvenience caused by broken dentures can put your entire life on hold, but there are signs to watch out for and quick, reliable solutions available to restore them, so let’s take a look at what to do when faced with broken dentures.
What to watch out for
Dentures are replacement teeth known as ‘crowns’ that fit over your gums and are bonded to your teeth to give the impression of a natural tooth. They are a strong, reliable way to restore lost teeth and are favoured by patients and dentists for their comfortable fit and natural appearance that makes smiling, eating, and talking easy again.
They can be used to replace just one missing tooth or an entire set of upper or lower teeth, but dentures do endure a lot of pressure over their lifespan. Some wear and tear is to be expected over the years, but constant chewing, biting and grinding (particularly if you favour hard, acidic foods) can result in the dentures becoming cracked or broken.
Here are some signs of damage to watch out for:
- Difficulty eating and speaking.
- Dentures that click.
- Dentures that feel loose or no longer fit.
- Full dentures that are missing a crown.
- Weakened or damaged materials.
- Any cracks or chips, no matter how small.
And, of course, if you accidentally drop a removable denture then you should take it to the dentist as soon as possible to have it repaired.
What to do if you have broken dentures
Pretty sure that your dentures are broken? Here’s what to do next.
- Remove them carefully (or pick them up off the floor if you have just dropped them) and examine them for any cracks or signs of damage.
- If you find these signs, then don’t put them back inside your mouth. If you have a spare set of dentures at home, then you can use these as a replacement whilst your main set is examined and repaired.
- Avoid trying to fix the dentures yourself. Regular adhesives are not suitable for dental repair and if you damage your dentures even more by trying to fix them then the dentist may not be able to repair them later on.
- Pick up any broken parts and place them and the damaged dentures in a sealed container full of water.
- Schedule an emergency denture repair appointment. This might be at your regular dental practice or at the specialist clinic that you originally got your dentures from. Some dental clinics will offer same day denture repairs, so you won’t be without them for long.
Emergency denture repair in Basingstoke
If you’ve noticed little cracks or chips appearing on one or more of your dentures, or you’re certain that they’re shifting around a lot more than they used to, then it’s time to get in touch with Dentalia.
If you’re based in or around Basingstoke, their same day denture repairs will get your dentures fixed as soon as possible, so don’t delay – book your emergency appointment today.
