Dentures can do amazing things for your confidence and quality of life. They restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. But like anything you use daily, dentures can wear out or break over time. And if you’ve ever had a cracked or broken denture, you know how frustrating and inconvenient it can be.
At Imagine Dental, we’re here to help you enjoy the confidence of a comfortable denture without interruption, which is why we want to help you avoid denture damage, extend the life of your prosthesis, and explore long-term solutions. In this post, we’re breaking down the top reasons dentures break and how you can keep yours in great shape for years to come.
Most Common Causes of Denture Damage
Even the best-made dentures aren’t immune to damage. Here are the most common causes of broken and damaged dentures.
1. Dropping Them
This one tops the list. It’s all too easy to accidentally drop your dentures while cleaning them over the sink or removing them at night. Dentures can fracture or chip when they hit a hard surface like tile or porcelain.
Pro tip: Always handle your dentures over a soft towel or fill the sink with water as a cushion just in case they slip, and carry them with two hands if you’re moving from room to room.
2. Improper Fit
Your mouth changes over time. If your dentures start to feel loose or shift when you talk or chew, that’s a sign the fit may be off. When dentures don’t sit evenly, they can flex and develop cracks or pressure points that lead to breakage.
Our expert prosthodontist specializes in creating dentures with an ideal fit and balance for lasting function. Options like implant-supported dentures fix this problem by keeping your denture firmly in place.
3. Wear and Tear Over Time
Dentures go through a lot of daily use. Biting, chewing, temperature changes, and even cleaning solutions gradually wear down the material. Over time, the acrylic can weaken or become brittle, especially in older dentures. Some habits, like cleaning your dentures with abrasive products or hot water, can speed this up and significantly shorten the lifespan of your dentures.
4. Chewing Hard or Sticky Foods
Traditional dentures are held in place by suction, and aren’t built to stand up to heavy chewing forces. Crunching ice, biting into hard candy, or chewing sticky treats can be risky. These foods put excessive force on your denture or may dislodge partials. Even tough meats can lead to fractures or bent clasps on partial dentures if they aren’t fitting well.
5. DIY Adjustments or Repairs
Trying to adjust your dentures at home is a recipe for disaster. We understand how uncomfortable tight spots can be, and many people are tempted to try to file or bend their denture on their own. Similarly, you might be tempted to use household adhesives like superglue to repair a broken denture.
If you want to fix a broken denture at home, our best advice is to leave it to the professionals. DIY fixes can weaken the material or create an uneven fit, which only increases the risk of future breakage and other problems.
How to Prevent Denture Damage
The good news is that a little daily care goes a long way toward keeping your dentures in great shape. Here’s how to protect your dentures.
1. Handle with Care
Take your time when removing or cleaning your dentures. Always use both hands and avoid rushing. Handling them gently (and over a soft surface) can help prevent those accidental drops that lead to cracks.
2. Store Them Properly
Whenever you’re not wearing your dentures, store them in a clean container filled with cold water or a denture-safe soaking solution. Don’t let them dry out, and never use hot water because it can warp the acrylic and affect the fit.
3. Clean Gently and Consistently
Use a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive cleanser. Avoid using regular toothpaste or bleach, which can scratch or damage the surface. A consistent cleaning routine helps keep your dentures strong and your mouth healthy.
4. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Regular checkups at Imagine Dental allow us to check the fit of your dentures and watch for signs of wear. If you need a denture adjustment in Phoenix or Ahwatukee, we can reline or repair your appliance before it turns into a bigger issue.
What to Do If Your Dentures Break
Here’s what to do if your dentures crack, chip, or break.
1. Don’t Try to Fix Them at Home
Store the broken pieces safely and call us right away. If needed, you may be able to use an at-home denture repair kit for a temporary fix, but never use household glues. It’s important to remember that at-home denture repair kits are not meant to be a long-term solution for a broken or damaged denture, so you’ll still need to get professional care as soon as possible.
2. Ask About Same-Day Denture Repair in Arizona
While a broken denture is not a true emergency, we do keep time available in our schedule for urgent needs. We understand how much you rely on your denture, which is why we’re committed to providing prompt denture repair in Phoenix and Ahwatukee whenever possible.
Pro Tip: Be sure to bring all the pieces with you to your appointment, even if they’re small!
3. Evaluate If It’s Time to Upgrade
If your dentures are older or repeatedly breaking, it may be time to replace them. It may also be worth exploring other options to replace missing teeth so you don’t have to keep struggling with dentures that can’t keep up with your lifestyle.
The Best Way to Put an End to Damaged Dentures? Consider Implant Alternatives!
If your dentures are frequently breaking, slipping, or just don’t feel secure, you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures. These are dentures that attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone, giving you a more secure and comfortable fit.
Here’s how they help reduce the risk of damage:
- No shifting or slipping: Because they’re anchored in place, implant-supported dentures don’t move around when you eat or talk.
- Less pressure on the appliance: Traditional dentures can flex and crack under bite pressure. Implant dentures distribute force more evenly, reducing stress on the materials.
- Longer lifespan: With fewer repairs and less wear, implant-supported dentures typically last longer than removable ones. Plus, we can use heavier, more durable materials to create your prosthesis, which can last many years longer than a traditional denture.
- Fewer accidents: Permanently fixed full mouth dental implants don’t need to be removed for nightly cleaning, which eliminates the risk of dropping them. Even removable implant-supported dentures are less accident prone because you won’t need to remove them to rinse after every meal.
Whether you already wear dentures or are just starting to explore your options, our team at Imagine Dental can help you determine if implants are a smart step forward.
Need Fast Denture Repair in Phoenix or Ahwatukee? We Can Help!
Your dentures should help you feel confident, not stressed. If your dentures are loose, worn, or have broken more than once, don’t wait to get them checked. At Imagine Dental, we offer expert care for full and partial dentures, as well and implant-supported options that can give you greater function, comfort, and peace of mind.
If you need denture repair, replacement, or a second opinion about your current denture in Phoenix or Gilbert, we’re here to help you smile with confidence. Get in touch with our team and start enjoying a fully functional smile again, fast!
