What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures West Palm Beach, FL
Many patients find dentures excellent replacements for natural teeth. Over time, however, they may need to be adjusted or remade from normal wear. Dental professionals advise patients against fixing dentures themselves because they could damage the denture beyond repair.
At Allure Dental WPB, we can help you with fixing dentures in West Palm Beach and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and dentures can get damaged. This may not only be uncomfortable but also cause injury to your mouth. We may be able to help. Call us at (561) 965-0292 to schedule an appointment today.
How Dentures Get Damaged
Though dentures will last for many years, some damage is inevitable and occurs gradually with regular wear. The mouth and jaw change over time which can cause dentures to fit poorly. It is possible for improper fit to damage dentures, as misalignment may cause undue stress to the devices when the patient bites down.
Furthermore, metal clasps, more common in dental bridges, can come loose or break off. Some dentures get damaged suddenly from an impact. The American Dental Association recommends dentures be evaluated by a professional when the prosthetic teeth are cracked, broken, or missing.
Patients may find it beneficial to use denture adhesive to help get used to dentures. Dentures should be checked for fit when they become loose and need more adhesive to stabilize. If dentures fall out, the impact could damage and crack them.
“The mouth and jaw change over time, which can cause dentures to fit poorly.”
Tips To Care For Dentures
As fragile items, dentures must be adequately taken care of to prevent damage. Good habits increase the longevity of dentures and bridges. The American College of Prosthodontists recommends treating dentures like fine china. Patients should follow these guidelines to take care of dentures:
- When washing dentures, hold them over a folded towel or basin of water. If dentures get dropped, it will soften the impact
- Use denture brushes and cleaning products approved by the ADA
- Soak dentures in a solution or jaw of water when not being worn. Otherwise, they run the risk of being dried out
- Refrain from using hot water to clean dentures. Hot or boiling water can warp dentures
- Clean your dentures every day. Patients should brush their gums, tongue, and palate to remove plaque before inserting dentures
- Use adhesive to help dentures remain stable in the mouth
- Get dentures adjusted when the fit seems off. Dentures that fit correctly are less likely to fall out
- Keep dentures away from pets and children
“Good habits increase the longevity of dentures and bridges.”
What To Do When Dentures Get Damaged
Accidents still happen despite all precautions. If dentures are damaged, the patient should make an appointment with a dental professional for repairs or adjustments. Fortunately, there are proactive steps patients can take until they can get to the dentist:
- If the dentures break, gather all of the wires and parts to take to the dentist’s office
- Use dental wax as a temporary barrier if wires are rubbing against the gums
- Do not continue wearing damaged dentures. Soak the dentures to keep them moist
- Place the dentures in the case to transport them to the dentist’s office
- Do not use over-the-counter glues. Not all such products have been approved for human use
The amount of time it takes to fix dentures depends on many factors. If the dentures cannot be repaired immediately, patients may want to discuss other options with their dentist while waiting for their repair. Some patients have a spare set of dentures just in case the regular set gets damaged.
“Fortunately, there are still proactive steps patients can take until they can get to the dentist.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures in West Palm Beach, FL
Fixing Dentures at Home
Most dentists advise against patients fixing their own dentures at home. Patients should approach these repairs with caution and only use them as short-term solutions. The patient risks damaging the dentures further or introducing unsafe chemicals into the mouth. The best course of action is for the patient to call our team right away for advice on a temporary fix while waiting to see the dentist.
Just as one should never use over-the-counter glues on dentures, The American College of Prosthodontists does not recommend home repair kits for denture repair. However, if a patient chooses to use a home repair kit, they should make sure that it is FDA-approved for dental use. Make an appointment to see our team as soon as possible, as these kits can only offer temporary solutions.
“The American College of Prosthodontists does not recommend home repair kits for denture repair.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do dentures get damaged?
Q. How can I care for my dentures?
Q. What should I do if I have damaged my dentures?
Q. Can I fix my dentures myself?
People Also Ask
Q. How can I tell if my dentures need to be relined or rebased?
Q. Can a dentist help ensure my dentures are in good condition?
Q. What are the different types of dentures?
Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. What lifestyle changes will people experience after getting dentures?
Q. What are partial removable dentures for one missing tooth?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I repair my own dentures?
A. You may be able to address minor, temporary fixes to your dentures, but only dental professionals can tackle any significant issues. Trying to fix dentures yourself can only damage them further. It is safer and more affordable to bring your dentures to our office.
Q. What can I do if a tooth falls out of my dentures?
A. If you lose a tooth from the denture, try to save the tooth. Make an appointment with a prosthodontist for repairs. If you cannot find the tooth, there is no need to panic. The denture lab that offers repairs will typically have replacement teeth.
Q. What do I do if I damage my dentures?
A. Do not wear damaged dentures. Call your dentist and ask for an appointment to fix your dentures. Damaged dentures are uncomfortable and can harm your oral health.
Q. Can I use superglue on my dentures?
A. Do not use any non-ADA approved glue to fix your dentures, even if it is just temporary. The bond will not hold well, and it is not safe to have these glues in your mouth. Plus, some types of superglue are water-soluble, which means that saliva will dissolve the bond.
Q. Why do dentures become warped or cracked?
A. Dentures lose their shape over time when they dry out. They may also crack after being dropped onto a hard surface. Placing dentures in hot water can cause them to warp. When dentures do not fit, contact a professional.
Q. How long should my dentures last?
A. When dentures are adequately taken care of, a set can last up to 10 years. The American College of Prosthodontists recommends getting your dentures evaluated when the prosthesis is over five years old. If the prosthetic teeth are cracked, broken, or missing, instead of fixing dentures, replacement may be necessary.
Scan here to view this page, What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures, on mobile
Denture Terminology
Call Us Today
Damaged dentures only get worse with time. Only a dental professional can address these problems. Take care of your oral health needs. Call us at 561-965-0292 for an appointment to fix your dentures or get an adjustment for a better fit.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
About our business, license, and website security
- Allure Dental WPB was established in 2023.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Palm Beach County
- We serve patients from the following cities: West Palm Beach, Cloud Lake, Lake Clarke Shores, Palm Springs, and Royal Palm Estates
- FL (License #DN17761). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1184860413). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Allure Dental WPB on mobile
Back to top of What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures
Related Posts
Five Important Tips For Maintaining Dentures
Are you considering getting dentures? Read on to learn more about denture maintenance. Owning dentures comes with a fair share of responsibility, such as their care and maintenance. The following are some essential tips to help your appliance last as long as possible.Dentures may return a lot of normalcy to your life, but they can…
Immediate Dentures In West Palm Beach: What To Expect Before, During, And After
If you're facing tooth extractions and dreading the idea of going without teeth while you heal, immediate dentures may be the answer. Unlike conventional dentures, which are fitted only after your gums have healed from extractions, immediate dentures are placed the same day your teeth are removed — so you never leave the office without…
Dentures In West Palm Beach: A Practical Guide To Full And Partial Options
Choosing a denture is not simply a matter of replacing missing teeth. The right option should support comfortable eating and speaking, complement your appearance, and fit the realities of your day-to-day routine. For patients considering dentures in West Palm Beach, a thoughtful evaluation is the best place to begin.Full dentures are designed for people who…
When A Dentist Would Recommend Dental Restorations
A dentist’s job is to make sure your teeth stay in great health. For many patients, this means considering the benefits of dental restorations. Dentists recommend restorative procedures when a patient has a damaged, diseased, or missing tooth. These standard treatments stop the problem in its tracks, prevent additional injury and infection, and even provide…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Allure Dental WPB on mobile
Damaged Dentures: Why DIY Repairs Backfire
A dropped or cracked denture is a common accident, and the instinct to reach for household glue is understandable. It is also a poor idea. Adhesives not intended for oral use can be unsafe and can distort the fit permanently, turning a repairable appliance into one that no longer seats correctly against your tissues.
The better step is to stop wearing the damaged denture, keep every piece including small fragments, and have it evaluated. Patients across West Palm Beach, Palm Springs, and Lake Clarke Shores can bring theirs to Allure Dental WPB so we can look at the damage and discuss what is appropriate, whether that is a professional repair or another route.