If you are a denture-wearer, you know how awkward life can be when dentures crack or break. Not only do everyday tasks such a chewing, eating, swallowing, and talking become difficult, but they can become socially awkward as well.
Worse, dentures seem to only fail at the least convenient time. So, when dentures do fail, it is no surprise that you will want to get your dentures repaired as quickly as possible.
In this post, Smiles Nambour will explore the options for getting your dentures repaired – both temporary and permanent solutions. We will also look at how your dentures might break or crack and how quickly you could hope to get them fixed.
Why Do Dentures Break?
Dentures break for many reasons. One reason they break is they eventually fail to fit properly. In fact, dentists normally recommend that you get new dentures every seven years or so. This is because, as you grow older, the shape of your face and jaw changes so your dentures become looser and lose their fit. This makes them more difficult to use, uncomfortable to wear, and more likely to break.
But the main reason dentures break is because they simply aren’t as strong as natural teeth and are called upon to do their job. Dentures are usually constructed from plastic and/or metal. The damp environment of the mouth begins to degrade the materials, and this makes the dentures more susceptible to breakage. The daily wear and tear of talking and chewing also wears down the hardiness of dentures.
How Easy Is Denture Repair?
This depends on the level of damage. Cracked dentures can usually be bonded back together. Dentures that have lost teeth are a similarly simple to repair. If a tooth needs to be replaced rather than repaired, a skilled practitioner will match the colour of the new tooth to the existing set to assure a natural look.
Broken dentures are a bit more serious. Here’s a good guide to the chance of repair: if you have all the pieces and can fit them back together, it’s possible your dentures can be repaired. If pieces are missing it is more difficult to fit the dentures back together.
Can I Repair My Dentures Myself?
Smiles Nambour advises against trying to repair your dentures yourself. Denture repair kits are often ineffective and can cause further damage to your dentures. However, in an emergency, these kits may enable you to provide basic repairs to your dentures until you can get them professionally repaired, or replaced at Smiles Nambour.
There are different kinds of denture repairs kits available over the counter. Most contain cement, bonding material, or glue. Others contain different teeth that you can cement in should one of your existing teeth fall out. These are far-from-perfect, temporary, and sometimes dangerous measures. They can damage your dentures and your mouth. But in some cases, temporary repair is better than nothing until you can reach us.
If your dentures crack or break, call or visit a your dentist at Smiles Nambour immediately to begin repair. For dentures that need replacement, we will have take a new mould of your mouth to make sure that your new dentures fit you perfectly, and then send them out to a laboratory for manufacture. Small cracks can be easily fixed at Smiles Nambour. We want you smiling again as soon as possible!
How Do I Protect My Dentures?
It is unavoidable that your dentures deteriorate over time. They are also fragile, so accidental drops can break them. The best approach you can take to looking after them is to protect them from falls and keep them clean. Brush them regularly, rinse them thoroughly and soak your dentures regularly overnight in an appropriate solution.
And don’t forget, when you are brushing your dentures, fill that sink with water. If dentures fall into a sink full of water they are less likely to be damaged!
Take proper care of your dentures when they are out of your mouth. Keep them moist so they do not dry out or lose their shape. When not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. However, if the denture has metal attachments, the attachments could tarnish if placed in a soaking solution. In this case, discuss options with your dentist Dentures should never be placed in hot water, which can cause warping.
Top-Notch Dentistry at Smiles Nambour
Smiles Nambour is the right choice for dental care in the Nambour area, from routine examinations and dentures to root canals! We offer a full range of dental services and treatments, and can always help you with a recommendation.
At Smiles Nambour, we provide top-quality dentistry with the help of cutting-edge instruments and caring staff!
A visit to Smiles Nambour is an investment in your dental health and attractive smile!
Same day emergency appointment is available!
Call (07) 5441 4438 or visit us at Shop 4, 2-4 Ann Street Nambour QLD 4560.
