If you’re a denture wearer, discovering a broken denture can feel like a disaster. It affects your appearance, speech, and overall comfort, and if left untreated, may even lead to a dental emergency. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, including access to emergency denture repair, many issues can be resolved quickly without needing a full replacement.
This guide will walk you through different types of denture repairs, how to repair broken dentures, the timeframes involved, and steps to prevent future damage. Whether it’s a small crack or a major break, you’ll learn how to get a repaired denture safely and efficiently—ideally with the help of a trusted dental professional.
Common Denture Issues and Their Causes
Even with regular denture care, dentures are susceptible to damage due to daily wear and tear. Let’s explore some common problems and their causes:
- Simple Breaks: Dropping dentures on a hard surface like a tile floor can cause a denture break, including cracks, chips, or even a broken piece snapping off. These breaks are often straightforward to repair by gluing, milling, and polishing the damaged edges.
- Complex Breaks: More complicated issues occur when a denture tooth or a larger section breaks off, or when the clasps or flexible parts are damaged. Sometimes a broken tooth is involved, or parts of a partial denture need to be replaced. These typically require new impressions to ensure the correct fit and proper alignment of replacement parts.
- Loose or Poorly Fitting Dentures: Over time, changes in your mouth’s shape, due to tooth extractions, injuries, or ageing, can result in a loose denture. Poor fit not only causes discomfort but also increases the risk of damage. A proper denture adjustment can improve the fit and prevent further issues.
- Implant-Retained Denture Damage: Those with dental implant-retained dentures may experience wear or loosening, particularly if they grind or clench their teeth. Regular check-ups with your dentist ensure the dentures remain secure and functional.
The Denture Repair Process
The time needed to fix a damaged denture depends on the extent of the issue. However, clinics that offer professional denture repair aim to return your repaired denture as quickly as possible—without compromising quality.
- Simple Repairs: Minor cracks or chips in acrylic dentures can often be resolved in as little as 30 minutes by glueing and polishing the affected denture pieces.
- Complex Repairs: More severe issues, such as broken teeth, clasps, or fractured bases, may take 1 to 5 days. This process often involves new impressions and precise fitting, especially when dealing with a partial denture or implant-retained denture. These are best handled by clinics experienced in comprehensive dental services.
- Denture Relines: If your dentures feel unstable or uncomfortable, a denture reline may be needed. This involves adding new material to the base to improve the fit—often done in a single visit.
No matter the damage, a skilled dental professional will guide you through the process and ensure your dentures are repaired to the highest standard.
Preventing Denture Damage
Preventive care is key to avoiding denture breakage and ensuring long-lasting comfort for any denture wearer. Here are some tips to keep your dentures in top shape:
- Handle with Care: Always handle your false teeth carefully. Avoid dropping them by placing them gently on soft surfaces like a towel or in a sink filled with water.
- Rinse Regularly: Remove and rinse your dentures after every meal to clean dentures effectively and reduce wear, which can help extend their life and avoid premature repairs.
- Soak Overnight: Soak dentures in water or a recommended cleaning solution overnight to prevent them from drying out, which can lead to cracking or warping, especially in acrylic dentures.
- Address Fit Issues: If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, consult your dentist promptly. They may recommend a new denture, denture reline, or using a suitable denture adhesive. Addressing these problems early helps prevent long-term issues and preserves the alignment with your natural tooth structure.
Why You Should Always See A Professional
Attempting DIY denture fixes can often worsen the issue, leading to a more serious dental emergency or expensive repair work later on.
A qualified dental professional has the tools, materials, and experience to properly assess and repair your damaged denture. They can also evaluate whether there are deeper issues, such as bite misalignment or tissue irritation, that require attention, often in coordination with general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Many clinics also offer emergency denture repair services, including same-day appointments. This minimises downtime without your dentures, which is essential for everyday activities like eating, speaking, and maintaining confidence in your appearance.
Looking for Denture Repair on the Gold Coast?
Whether you’re dealing with a simple break, a need for a quick denture adjustment, or struggling with poorly fitting dentures, you deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your smile.
Don’t endure the discomfort of a damaged denture—the sooner you seek help, the better. Whether it’s an immediate denture fix or long-term support with dental implants, South Coast Denture Clinic is here to provide expert care and ensure you walk away with a properly repaired denture.
Contact us today for a free consultation or click here to learn more about our professional denture repair services.
