What You Need To Know About Broken Dentures
Posted on: 2 November 2016
Share
Dentures are, by their very nature, highly durable prosthetics that are built to withstand intense daily stresses. Yet, strong as they are, the time will eventually come when a pair of dentures fails. If you are a denture wearer who would like to educate yourself about the risk of broken dentures, read on. This article will provide a helpful introduction to this common problem.
How Dentures Break
There are two principal reasons why dentures break. The first of these is simple old age. You see, the bulk of a denture is constituted of acrylic resin. Over the course of several years, this resin tends to grow more brittle, thus increasing its susceptibility to damage. This risk is especially pronounced in the case of dentures that are not supported by an underlying metal wire.
The second main reason that dentures break is poor fit. This is by far the less acknowledged cause. The problem here is that, unbeknownst to many, the shape of the human jaw continues to change as time goes on--especially for those who no longer possess their original teeth. Thus, dentures that may have fit several years ago may no longer fit snugly inside the mouth. This increases their susceptibility to cracking as the result of chewing stresses.
What To Do
It's important to know what to do in the event that your dentures do break. The first step should always be to carefully remove the broken dentures. Be aware that there may be sharp corners. Now assess the state of the dentures. If the breakage is not too severe, they may be protected in the short term using orthodontic wax. Use this substance to cover up the break, as well as any rough spots or sharp edges.
Next, contact your dentist about scheduling a visit. It is important that this happen as soon as possible. Your dentist will assess the damage and decide whether repair is an option or whether a new pair of dentures is required. Given the importance of attending to this problem at once, many dental clinics offer same-day appointments in the event of broken dentures.
Minimizing The Risk
While it may not always be possible to prevent broken dentures, there are two important things you can do to minimize the risk. First of all, you must be sure to employ proper cleaning habits. Always remove and rinse your dentures at the conclusion of a meal. Likewise, you should always soak your dentures overnight; this will help to prevent the resin from becoming dried out and brittle.
The second way to reduce the likelihood of denture breakage is to be proactive about receiving dental checkups. In other words, be sure to schedule a visit to your dental provider at least twice a year. They will be able to help assess the continued fit of your dentures, thus preventing the risk of breakage due to poor fit.
For more information and assistance, contact a dentist near you, such as Joe Rosenberg, DDS.