Understanding denture repair

Dentures require repair as the material they are designed from can wear or erode. It is not unusual for dentures to fracture after being in use for some time. The good thing is it is very easy to repair broken dentures due to their material. Reasons that call for denture repair include the following.

1. Normal wear

If you have been using dentures for a long time, then it is common for fractures to happen. This is because you use them for chewing, and hence you apply pressure on them. They may also break due to dietary habits such as eating acidic food. The change of temperature, for instance, eating hot foods then cold beverages may lead to normal wear. In addition, if the upper and lower dentures do not align, one will put pressure on the other causing a crack.

2. Impact

Dentures can break because of dropping them. While being durable, they may fracture on impact. Dropping them can break the teeth or the gum line of the denture. Metal clasps in partial dentures may break, and when this happens, you should avoid them.

3. Time 

As you age, your body changes including your mouth that affect the comfort of dentures. Age may cause a change in bone and gum density leading to ill-fitting dentures. When this happens, do not throw them out but contact the dentist and arrange for a repair. It is possible to adjust dentures to fit your existing mouth shape. Maintaining regular dental appointments also ensures that the dentist can evaluate the existing fit of the dentures.

4. Repair

Repair is necessary due to the changing structure of the gum and bone underneath the dentures. Ill-fitting dentures may lead to infections and mouth sores. When this happens, it is necessary that the dentist reset your dentures by adding material to improve its fit. This process is called relining, and it may require additional lab work on your dentures. Dentures are designed using resin that is repairable. When it requires relining or reinforcement, more resin is added to repair the fracture.

Avoid using DIY repair techniques as they may further damage the dentures. Some individuals tend to use glue to seal a fracture, but this causes excessive pressure, and the glue is unreliable. Using superglue may damage the dentures and lead to gum inflammation. It will also dissolve when you drink water and cause a terrible taste in your mouth.