Can I Repair My Own Dentures

Can I Repair My Own Dentures from Mission Valley Dental Arts in San Diego, CAA pair of dentures is an investment in a healthy, natural-looking smile. If a patient's set breaks, it may seem tempting to try to perform an at-home repair. However, this is not a wise idea, and it can cause additional problems.

Why is it a bad idea for patients to repair their own dentures?

Dentures need to be professionally fitted to a patient. If they break, a professional re-fitting is needed after repair to ensure any needed adjustments can be made. Attempting to self-repair dentures can also cause problems for the patient and the prosthetics themselves.

Glues and other bonding agents can cause mouth irritation

Some patients turn to glue or similar agents to repair their dentures. However, these glues can cause serious irritation in the mouth, as they are not designed for oral use. Doing a denture self-repair with glue can sometimes cause an unpleasant taste, and some glues can be toxic.

The dentures may break even more

These prosthetics are delicate and can be easily broken. If someone without training attempts to make a repair, they may accidentally break the dentures further. In some cases, a DIY repair can even ruin a set completely.

A DIY fix may not fit properly

To function like natural teeth, dentures must be very closely fitted to a patient's gums. Even if a patient succeeds at a temporary at-home fix, the prosthetics may no longer fit properly. A set of dentures that fits too loosely may fall out at inopportune times, while a too-tight-fitting set can cause painful gum irritation.

What steps should a patient take if dentures break?

Attempting to fix dentures at home is not a good idea. If a patient damages their dental prosthetics, it is important to contact a dental office as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few other precautions to take.

Make sure to gather all parts

If dentures break, it is important to double-check to make sure all missing parts have been found. If they break after being dropped on the ground, it is possible for bits of the denture or wiring to scatter. Patients should thoroughly search the area where the dentures were broken to ensure all parts have been accounted for.

Store the dentures properly

Even if it is physically possible to do so, patients should not try to wear damaged dentures. Doing so can both irritate the mouth and further damage the set. Before taking dentures in for repair, patients should make sure they are stored in a protective case or soaking in a denture-specific solution. If the prosthetics normally need to be soaked overnight to retain shape, patients should keep them soaking if possible.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Denture Adjustments and Repairs in San Diego, CA.

Conclusion

Broken dentures can be inconvenient and upsetting, and some patients may be tempted to try a DIY fix to remedy the problem immediately. However, to avoid further damage, patients with a broken pair should reach out to a dental office as soon as they can.

Request an appointment or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at 619-805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.

Related Posts

Why It's Important To Leave Denture Repair To A Dental Professional

In need of a denture repair? Those who wear dentures often find a need to have them repaired at one point or another. These tooth replacement appliances are extremely susceptible to damages. Their delicate materials make them extremely durable, but also prone to things like cracking or chipping. A common question that comes along with denture…

Why It's Important To Leave Denture Repair To A Dental Professional

In need of a denture repair? Those who wear dentures often find a need to have them repaired at one point or another. These tooth replacement appliances are extremely susceptible to damages. Their delicate materials make them extremely durable, but also prone to things like cracking or chipping. A common question that comes along with denture…

How Your Doctor Can Help With Denture Repair

People may not think of denture repair as a regular need at the dentist’s office. However, if you have artificial teeth, there may be a time when they break or experience other issues. A dental professional has the knowledge and training to fix this apparatus, so patients should not attempt the repairs themselves. If you…

Related Posts

How Often Are Invisalign Retainers Changed During Teeth Straightening?

How Often Are Invisalign Retainers Changed During Teeth Straightening?

For many patients, Invisalign® treatment is a good alternative to traditional braces. Treatment time is often shorter, and patients can maintain better oral hygiene during the process. This type of orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. The patient wears the trays for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for…

Invisalign Vs  Lingual Braces

Invisalign Vs. Lingual Braces

If you want to align your teeth discreetly, you have probably noticed the many options at your disposal, two being Invisalign® and lingual braces. While both options share some similarities, they also have significant differences for you to consider.One of the most significant differences between the two appliances is appearance. Invisaline is virtually invisible, using…