Need Denture Repairs? Tops Reasons Not to DIY
By: Repairing a broken denture in the face of panic and distress is tempting. We understand you. DIY denture repairs often seem easier and cheaper than visiting the dentist.
But did you know that resorting to household glues or adhesives to fix a denture crack or fallen tooth could do you more harm than good?
Believe us—resorting to do-it-yourself denture repairs to save you a few bucks isn’t worth the trouble. As the English poet John Ruskin retorted:
“It’s unwise to pay too much but worse to pay too little.”
This article highlights why you shouldn’t repair broken dentures at home and why it’s always recommended to “bring the problem” to your dentist.
Leading Causes of Denture Repair
Traditional dentures are often made from Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA). PMMA is a technical term for synthetic polymers commonly known as acrylic, acrylic glass, and plexiglass.
This material is frequently used in dental prosthetics and finds widespread application in creating artificial teeth, denture bases, obturators, orthodontic retainers, temporary crowns, and for maintaining and restoring various dental prostheses.
PMMA is also the preferred biomaterial for denture fabrication because of its favorable properties, such as easy handling and coloring, adequate mechanical strength, cost-effectiveness, and minimal health risks.
But is it common for dentures to break? Yes, it is. Denture fractures remain a persistent challenge in dental care. In fact, it’s the leading cause of removable prosthesis failure.
For instance, denture bases often break because they lack strength and resilience, making them vulnerable to damage from falls or wear over time. Also, repeated chewing motions can weaken the denture, especially when the supporting bone shrinks, making it less stable. Without proper support, the stress on the denture builds up and eventually causes it to break.
Nonetheless, traditional dentures are still preferred as a go-to option to replace missing teeth mainly because of their proven reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Potential Risks of DIY Denture Repairs
Whether we admit it or not, we sometimes tackle problems beyond our expertise, learning as we go. But we don't want to take our chances if it concerns our health, money, and well-being. Abraham Lincoln had some powerful words to explain it:
“He who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client.”
The same thing can be said about dental appliances. Act as your dentist and look like a fool in front of a real one. Of course, your dentist wouldn’t judge you for your bad decisions—that’s the least of their concerns.
What your dentist is most afraid of is that you end up putting your oral health at greater risk just because you decided to take matters into your own hands.
Before you try to fix a denture crack with household glue and TikTok tips, you should learn about the potential dangers of doing so.
Irritation and denture stomatitis
One common issue with wearing dentures is gum irritation and denture stomatitis due to poor denture hygiene.
Denture stomatitis is a fungal infection in your mouth, also known as thrush, that can happen when candida (a type of yeast) grows too much. Candida is usually harmless in small amounts, but it can cause problems when it gets out of balance. This infection can also be called denture stomatitis or oral stomatitis.
When fixing dentures at home, you’d mostly like to use non-medical-grade tools that might carry pathogens. According to a study, “denture surfaces and edges have also been identified as a reservoir for various pathogenic organisms.”
This complication can easily be avoided with proper guidance and strict caution on denture usage, specifically maintenance.
Further breakage
“Oh, it’s just a small crack.” That’s what most people assume when fixing dentures at home. Indeed, denture breakage isn’t considered a dental emergency, requiring immediate care. You can still have a few days to fix your dentures if you don't wear them while waiting for your dental appointment. If the absence of a complete set of teeth makes it hard for you to live a normal life, don't attempt to fix your dentures at home.
Get it repaired by an experienced prosthodontist. Without proper knowledge about denture structure and its chemical composition, DIY denture repairs will not only lead to further breakage but also unrepairable damage.
Remember that cracked or broken dentures cannot be fixed through do-it-yourself methods, and patients facing these problems should seek professional assistance from their prosthodontist.
Relying on dental experts remains the safest and most reliable approach when dealing with denture issues.
Mouth injury
Dentistry borrows its denture-making process from the meticulous craft of goldsmithing or jewelry design—both fields require attention to detail. Creating dentures and jewelry involves shaping and molding materials to a precise model to fit comfortably and aesthetically with the wearer.
Similarly, both require experience and knowledge in handling delicate materials and specialized tools. Just as a jeweler or goldsmith meticulously conjures perfection in the form of a necklace or a ring, a prosthodontist equally aims to provide a patient with a dental appliance that restores a smile.
Repairing your denture without the help of a dentist could alter its original shape and form, causing it to fit uncomfortably with your gums. Ill-fitting dentures might irritate your gums and cause bruising and bleeding.
The more your dentures cause irritation, the greater the risk of having more serious mouth injuries such as cuts and bleeding.
Costly dental expenses
Like what they say: “The cost of doing it right the first time is always less than the cost of doing it wrong twice.” The same thing is true with fixing dentures—DIY denture repairs can often lead to more problems and higher expenses in the long run.
Dentists have the option to decide between repairing or replacing defective dentures. Minor cracks, chips, or loose clasps can often be repaired in minutes. However, extensive damage like broken acrylic, fractured teeth, or significant warping due to faulty repairs might need total replacement.
Generally, denture replacement can cost more than repairs. This underscores the importance of promptly consulting your dentist about your denture problems.
What to do when your dentures get damaged
If you can't see a dentist immediately and there's no emergency dental clinic nearby, schedule the earliest available appointment. Nevertheless, you can find emergency denture repair kits at popular chain stores.
Remember, though, that these kits are only meant for temporary solutions. It's essential to select an FDA-approved repair kit to ensure it's safe and free from any potential toxicity issues.
Consider scheduling an appointment with a dental practice in Culver City, such as United Dental Care, to receive expert guidance and personalized care for your dentures and other dental concerns. Contact our team today!
