Although dentures and partial dentures are made with quality materials, they do break from time to time which can be very inconvenient. What causes a denture or partial to break?

• Stress from chewing and occluding weakens the material
• Hot, cold, and acidic foods alter the components causing breakdown
• Bone resorption resulting in pressure points and undue stress leading to breakage
• Deterioration from normal wear and tear
• Accidents like dropping the denture or the family dog chewing it beyond repair

If your denture or partial breaks, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist because eating, talking, and being around others can be a negative experience without your teeth. Depending on the severity of the break, your dentist may be able to fix your denture or partial in the office. However, if the break is serious, it may have to be sent to a lab for repair which can take days. There are denture repair kits over-the-counter, but they aren’t recommended since their use can cause irreparable damage.

If you have a partial denture, there is some good news regarding deterioration and fracture. Traditionally, partial dentures were made with polymethylmethacrylate acrylic and metal which is very rigid and has no flexibility. More and more dentists are now using a biocompatible nylon thermoplastic substance that is flexible and more forgiving than polymethylmethacrylate acrylic. Fabrication with a flexible material reduces breakage, so it may be beneficial to discuss this type of partial with your dentist.

There are steps you can take to prevent a disaster with your denture or partial. You should care for your prosthesis as you would your natural teeth. Daily care and maintenance is a must. Remove the denture or partial at least twice per day and brush them with a denture brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. They should be soaked once per week in a cleaner manufactured for dentures and partials. Taking them out at night and soaking them in water also helps keep the integrity of the prosthesis. It’s important to keep them wet when they’re out of your mouth. By following these guidelines, your denture or partial can give you many years of comfort and a beautiful smile.