Dentures are exposed to considerable forces in daily use and wear out over time. For this reason, situations such as fractures, cracks, teeth coming off or loosening are common problems. Denture repair is possible in many cases; however, in some situations, renewal rather than repair is the more correct decision. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, in Türkiye we make this distinction by looking at the current condition of the denture and your oral tissues.
The Most Common Problems
The Denture Cracking or Breaking in the Middle
This usually happens as a result of dropping it; however, it is not always accidental. When bone volume decreases over time, the denture loses support and starts to flex during chewing. This repeated bending leads to a fracture at some point. For this reason, in a broken denture, simply joining the pieces may not be enough; the underlying fit problem should also be addressed.
A Tooth Coming Off
One of the artificial teeth on the denture may come loose. Keeping the detached tooth and bringing it to the clinic makes the process easier.
Clasp Fracture
In partial dentures, the retaining clasps may fatigue over time. Repeated bending leads to fracture.
Loosening
If the denture does not hold as well as before, this usually shows that the tissue underneath has changed, not the denture.
Why Is Home Repair Dangerous?
It is necessary to be clear on this. Household adhesives, super glues and similar products are not produced for intraoral use. These substances can be harmful to tissues, permanently damage the denture material and often make professional repair impossible. As a result of misaligned gluing, the denture no longer seats in the mouth.
When the denture breaks, keep the pieces, do not try to join them and go to the clinic as soon as possible. Continuing to use a broken denture may also lead to injury due to sharp edges.
What Is Relining?
After tooth extractions and over the years, the jawbone loses volume. While the denture stays the same, the base underneath changes, so a gap forms between them; the denture starts to move. Relining is the renewal of the inner surface of the denture facing the tissue so that it fits the new bone structure.
This procedure can restore the fit without replacing the whole denture. At our clinic, we evaluate tissue health before relining; relining done on inflamed tissue may become ill-fitting again after healing.
Repair or Renewal?
When deciding, the following criteria are considered:
- The location and number of fractures: Recurring fractures indicate a structural problem.
- The age and wear level of the denture: If the artificial teeth are worn, the bite height may have been lost.
- Fit status: If there is a noticeable gap, repair alone is not sufficient.
- Tissue change: The level of bone loss.
- Aesthetics and function: Are the tooth arrangement and facial support still appropriate?
Repairing an old and ill-fitting denture may seem economical in the short term; however, if it breaks again shortly afterwards, the total cost increases. We make this evaluation together with you.
When Bringing It to the Clinic
When the denture breaks, bring all the pieces, including the small ones, in a box or bag. A missing piece directly affects the fit of the repair. In partial dentures, the detached clasp or tooth must also be kept. Also take care not to leave the denture dry.
Is There a Fixed Period for Renewal?
No, it is not right to give a specific number of years. What is decisive are fit, wear and tissue condition. However, regular check-ups are recommended even if you have no complaints; continuing to use an ill-fitting denture may accelerate bone loss and also make the success of a new denture more difficult.
A Spare Denture
In patients who have only one denture, a temporary period without teeth is experienced in the event of a fracture. We recommend that our patients who travel frequently or depend on their denture consider the option of a spare denture.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is usually associated with a decrease in bone volume. The fit can be restored with relining.
In many cases, repair is possible in a short time; information is given after the situation is evaluated.
It may make the repair more difficult. Still, bring the denture; an evaluation will be made.
It depends on tissue change; there is no fixed interval.
With proper repair it can be used; however, renewal is recommended in cases of recurring fractures.
In most cases, temporary solutions can be planned; we manage the process together.
Do not try to repair a broken denture yourself.
Let us evaluate the repair, relining or renewal options together. Contact us; let us find a solution as soon as possible at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes. The decision on repair or renewal is made by your dentist after the clinical examination.
