One of the biggest issues people have with dentures is that they can break.
This raises the question of how to fix broken dentures, and what causes them in the first place. We'll talk more about some of the most common causes of broken dentures in this article.
Wear and Tear
Dentures are prone to wear and tear just like anything else, and oftentimes this causes them to break. This can happen in a lot of different ways, like the dentures coming dislodged and causing strain whenever you eat. That strain will build up until the dentures come out entirely or they snap in two.
It's not just the gums that can wear down, either. The teeth are also prone to wear. Dentures aren't nearly as tough as our natural teeth are.
Our teeth are made up of packed minerals and enamel, which is harder than bronze or even basic steel. Our natural teeth are built to last a lifetime if they're taken care of, whereas dentures will eventually crack.
Dropping Them
It's not uncommon for people to drop their dentures, or for the dentures to simply fall out of their mouths. Unfortunately, adhesives don't last forever and our jaws change shape after we lose our teeth. Dentures often become loose and can fall out if they aren't secured.
Dentures will often break when they fall from that height, especially if they land on a hard surface, such as a sidewalk or hardwood floor.
What to Do When Dentures Break
What to do if your dentures break depends on how they break. A cracked plate might be fixable, while one that's been broken should probably be replaced. You'll need to see your denturist to have them replaced.
Just as important as getting dentures fixed is taking care to not break them again. Eating particularly tough foods can put unnecessary strain on your dentures, so you should avoid it if you can.
You also shouldn't wear your dentures all the time. Make sure to take them out at night.
The Causes of Broken Dentures
Broken dentures are a problem that many people with dentures face. Dentures aren't nearly as tough as the teeth they replace, so they're much more prone to breaking.
We've discussed some of the causes of broken dentures in this article, but there's a lot more to denture care than just making sure they don't break.
If you're looking for dentures or are in need of information and advice about dentures, you should contact us at the Accurate Denture Clinic in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley and Sardis. We'd be more than happy to help.