A denture is a removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth. Dentures are a great option, especially for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth.
Dentures restore the facial structure, provide support for lips and cheeks, and improve the ability to chew and speak.
How Can A Denture Get Damaged?
If you've damaged your false teeth, don't panic. This is a very common problem. Here are a few common ways people damage their dentures.
- Forgetting to take your dentures out at night.
- Leaving your dentures in too long.
- Dropping your dentures.
- Being too rough with your dentures.
- Forgetting to clean them.
- Breaking your dentures.
If your false teeth become damaged, you'll need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They may be able to repair your dentures or recommend another treatment option.
What Should I Do If I Damage My Dentures?
If you damage your dentures, you should call your dentist as soon as you can. Most dentists have an emergency line you can call if you break your dentures. The sooner your dentist can repair your dentures, the better. If you damage your dentures, bring them to your dental office as soon as you can, even if this means coming during a time outside of normal business hours. Waiting too long can result in more damage to your dentures, such as further breakage or warping.
Do not try to repair your dentures at home. Your dentist can repair your broken dentures with dental bonding. Dental bonding involves applying composite resin to the broken area. The dentist then sculpts and shapes the resin to blend in with the rest of your denture. The bonded area will be invisible to everyone else.
Home Care Tips For A Damaged Denture
Do not try to fix the dentures by yourself. However, you can follow these tips at home before you see your emergency dentist:
- The first thing you should do is save any pieces of your dentures that you can.
- The clasps may be scraping against your gums and causing irritation if they have become loose. In this situation, you can use dental wax to use as a temporary barrier on the wire.
- Remove the damaged dentures from your mouth. Put your dentures in a case or soak them before bringing them to our clinic. Don't keep wearing dentures that are broken.
Caring For Your Dentures
- You should brush your dentures daily. Always brush them over a sink filled with water. Soak your dentures overnight, every night.
- Start out with a soft-bristled brush and then graduate to a medium-bristled brush. Clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the gums.
- Practice talking loudly with your dentures in. This can help you adjust to talking with your dentures in.
- It is also best to avoid chewing gum with your dentures in.
To learn about our dental procedures, call Desert Mountain Dental at (520) 324-0100 and schedule an appointment or visit our Tucson dental office.