how to fix broken dentures at home

How To Fix A Broken Denture In An Emergency

Saturday, April 23, 2016

How To Fix A Broken Denture In An Emergency

Before you try to fix your dentures at home, call your dentist!

First and foremost, don't panic. Although a broken denture can be distressing, keep in mind that this is not an uncommon occurrence. You are certainly not alone in trying to figure out how to fix a denture! According the the American College of Prosthodontists, 35 million Americans do not have any teeth (edentulous), and 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. About 90% of those that suffer from edentulism have dentures, and only 15% have dentures made each year. That means that 75% of the edentulous population deal with dentures that may need repair.

If you've broken a denture, Penn Dental Family Practice is here to help you take this unfortunate event in stride. We will also will share tips on how to fix a denture in an emergency!

What To Do When Your Dentures Break

how to fix a denture First, check to see exactly what has broken on your dentures. Depending on how your dentures have broken, you may or may not be able to create a temporary fix at home before you see your prosthodontist. There are a few different ways your dentures can break: a piece of the pink acrylic falls off; the denture breaks in half; a tooth breaks or cracks or falls out. Unfortunately, if your denture breaks in half, then there is no emergency fix at home. Repairing a denture that has broken in half is a job that only a skilled prosthodontist can perform.

How To Fix A Denture In a Pinch!

However, if a tooth has fallen out, is broken or cracked, or the pink acrylic has fallen out, you'll be able to fix it at home before going to the dentist, as a temporary measure. Here's how to fix a broken denture in an emergency:

Call the Dentist – If you've discovered you've broken your denture the first thing you need to do is call your dentist immediately! Explain the situation, and what portion of your denture has broken, and then schedule the earliest appointment possible. Remember that any emergency repair you perform at home is only temporary.
Look For A Denture Repair Kit – You can find these at most local drug stores. These are intended for emergency repair, and are not meant for long term fixes. When looking for a kit, be sure to check that it is labeled as suitable for dental work, and FDA-approved. Most of these kits include a bonding material, and some may also contain different teeth that can temporary replace one that has fallen out of your denture. While they may claim to be able to fix cracks, your only permanent solution is to find a skilled prosthodontist.
Visit Your Prosthodontist – After your temporary fix is in place, follow through on your prosthodontist appointment for a more permanent solution. Your prosthodontist will repair your denture and ensure that it will continue to be comfortable and fit well.

How To Avoid Broken Dentures

As dentists, it is important for us to point out that prevention is a key part of preparing for–and avoiding–dental emergencies! Even the best made dentures will deteriorate over time, but they will last longer if cared for well. First and foremost, make sure you are keeping your dentures clean: brush regularly, rinse thoroughly, and soak them overnight on a regular basis. While you are brushing your dentures, you may want to fill the sink with water; that way, if you do drop them, they have a softer impact and are less likely to break.

A Prosthodontist You Can Trust In Emergencies

When's the last time you saw a highly qualified prosthodontist for your dentures? If it has been awhile since you've given your smile the attention it deserves, it may be time to make an appointment. If you are in the Philadelphia area, contact Penn Dental Family Practice. Our prosthodontists are experts in their fields and can ensure that you have comfortable, well-functioning, and natural looking dentures.

To learn how to deal with other dental emergencies, check out our Survival Guide for Dental Emergencies!