prabhu
Dentures are a lifeline for many people—restoring comfort, confidence, and the ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like a proper meal or a hearty laugh. But as reliable as they are, dentures aren’t indestructible. Like anything used daily, they’re prone to wear and tear, and occasionally, things go wrong.
A sudden crack or a clean break can catch you off guard. Whether it happens over the bathroom sink or mid-bite at dinner, it’s a frustrating situation that no one wants to deal with. Fortunately, many of the most common causes of denture breakage are preventable with a little care and awareness.
In this guide, we’ll look at why dentures break, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what to do if you ever find yourself with a broken set.
Why Do Dentures Break?
Dentures may look solid, but beneath the surface, they’re made from materials that—while durable—have their limits. Over time, exposure to pressure, moisture, temperature changes, and even your body’s natural changes can contribute to wear and damage. Let’s explore the main culprits.
1. Poor Fit and Natural Changes Over Time
Even the best-fitting dentures don’t stay perfect forever. As we age, our jawbone naturally shrinks due to bone resorption, which can gradually alter the fit of your dentures. What starts as a subtle looseness can put uneven pressure on specific areas, increasing the risk of stress fractures or cracks.
Regular dental check-ups are essential, not only for your oral health but also to ensure your dentures still fit the way they should.
2. Dropping Dentures While Cleaning
It happens more often than you’d think. You’re cleaning your dentures over the sink, maybe in a bit of a rush—and they slip out of your hands. Unfortunately, bathroom sinks and tiled floors are unforgiving surfaces.
One short fall can result in a chipped corner, a fractured base, or even a completely split denture. And once they’re damaged, continuing to wear them can lead to discomfort or further breakage.
3. Biting Down on Hard Foods or Objects
Dentures are built for chewing, but they have their limits. Biting into tough crusts, nuts, bones, or even chewing on non-food objects (like pens or fingernails) can stress the denture plate and cause cracks.
It’s best to avoid anything too hard or sticky, particularly in older dentures that may already be weakened by years of use.
4. Improper Cleaning Techniques
Keeping dentures clean is vital, but how you clean them matters. Harsh chemicals like bleach, abrasive brushes, or using very hot water can all weaken the material over time. These methods may seem like a good way to ‘deep clean,’ but they actually degrade the structure of the denture, making it more prone to warping or breaking.
Stick to lukewarm water, soft brushes, and denture-specific cleaning solutions recommended by dental professionals.
5. DIY Repairs
We’ve all been tempted to reach for the glue when something breaks—but with dentures, this can do more harm than good. Household glues are not mouth-safe and can damage the denture or cause irritation to your gums.
Even if the fix seems to work in the short term, it often creates a bigger problem later when you eventually need professional repair. A botched DIY job can make accurate repairs more difficult—or more expensive.
6. General Wear and Tear
Even with the best care, no denture lasts forever. Over time, the acrylic can thin, microscopic cracks can form, and eventually, the structure weakens. This is entirely normal—but it does mean that keeping an eye out for signs of wear is crucial.
How to Prevent Denture Breakage
The good news is that with a few simple habits and some extra care, you can drastically reduce the chances of damage. Here are some practical steps to help your dentures last longer:
- Clean over a towel or basin filled with water. This cushions any accidental drops.
- Soak them overnight in water or a mild denture solution to maintain their shape and moisture.
- Avoid biting into very hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Cut tough items into smaller pieces instead.
- Use non-abrasive brushes and gentle cleansers. Avoid bleach, boiling water, or toothpaste that contains grit.
- Hold them firmly with both hands when cleaning. Rushing is often what leads to accidents.
- Don’t attempt repairs yourself. Even small cracks should be assessed by a professional.
- Have regular check-ups. Your dentist can spot signs of wear before they become major issues.
- Replace dentures when recommended. If yours are more than 5–7 years old, they may be due for replacement.
What to Do If Your Dentures Break
If you find yourself with cracked or broken dentures, it’s important not to panic—and even more important not to try wearing them. Continuing to use broken dentures can worsen the damage or irritate your gums, potentially leading to sores or infection.
Equally, avoid trying to fix them with superglue or household tools. While it might seem like a good temporary solution, these products are not designed for use in the mouth and can be harmful.
Instead, get in touch with a professional repair service. If you need urgent help, professional emergency denture repair services can often provide same-day support, meaning you won’t have to go without your dentures for long. Some even offer mobile services that come to you—a real lifeline in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
Dentures are an essential part of daily life for many people—and when they break, it can be more than just an inconvenience. Fortunately, most breakages stem from preventable causes. With a little extra care and some simple precautionary habits, you can keep your dentures in great shape and reduce the risk of unexpected problems.
And if something does go wrong, knowing where to turn for expert help can give you peace of mind. Whether it’s a tiny crack or a major break, getting professional repairs promptly is always the best way forward.
