Denture repair is a common concern for those who have invested in dentures. Even though dentures are made from durable material, they require periodic maintenance or they will break down. This can happen in many ways. The fit of the denture can change over time, a tooth can come loose or fall out, or the dentures will simply break. There are also accidents that can damage dentures, such as being chewed by the family dog or accidentally dropped into the trash compactor. Needing denture repair is not a matter of “if,” but instead an issue of “when” it will become lost, broken, or damaged beyond repair. The best way to approach denture repair is to be prepared. Read more to find out how!
Like teeth, dentures need to be brushed daily to remove plaque and food particles. The brush should have soft bristles and toothpaste should not be used, as it causes scratches on the surface of the dentures.
Dentures need to be kept moist, otherwise they will dry out and lose their shape. When not worn, dentures should be placed in a cleanser soaking solution or in water.
If one or more of the teeth becomes loose or there are any chips, cracks, or breaks, the dentures need to be inspected by a dental professional as soon as possible.
If for some reason a dental professional is unavailable or there’s an emergency concerning a denture repair, there are emergency denture repair specialists that can be found through a simple internet search.
This depends on the wear of the current dentures. Over time and with normal wear, dentures will need to be relined.
When dentures are relined, a new fitted denture base is made and the existing teeth are fitted to the new base.
Complete dentures should last between five to seven years before replacement or relining is necessary.
While there are “do-it-yourself” denture repair kits available, dental professionals warn against individuals repairing their own dentures. Over-the-counter glues and the repair kits can permanently damage dentures, leading to more money out-of-pocket in the long-term.