Dentures are a wonderful way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile, but they are also delicate appliances that can crack, chip, or break, especially if they are dropped or worn down over time. If you have damaged your dentures, the good news is that the situation is very fixable, as long as you take the right steps and avoid the wrong ones. This guide from Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale explains exactly what to do, what to avoid, and how we can help. If your dentures are damaged, call us at (818) 541-1110 so we can repair them quickly and get you back to comfortable, confident eating and speaking.
Where Do I Start?
The first thing to do is stay calm. A broken denture is a common problem, and it is usually repairable. The most important rule is to stop wearing damaged dentures right away. Continuing to wear a cracked or broken denture can irritate or cut your gums, cause sores, and make the damage worse, sometimes to the point where a simple repair is no longer possible. Set the dentures aside safely and contact our office. The sooner we see them, the sooner we can restore both the appliance and your comfort.
Home Care Tips Until You Reach Our Office
While you wait for your appointment, a few simple steps will protect your dentures and your mouth:
- Gather anything that has broken off. Collect every piece of your dentures that has come loose, including any wiring or clasps. Having all the pieces gives us the best chance at a clean, accurate repair.
- Use dental wax for loose clasps. If a clasp has loosened and is rubbing against your gums, it can cause irritation. A small amount of dental wax placed over the wire can act as a temporary barrier for comfort. This is only a short-term fix, so see a dentist near you who can treat you quickly.
- Take them out and store them safely. Soak your dentures or place them in a protective case for transport to our office. Do not continue wearing damaged dentures, and keep them moist so they do not dry out and warp.
Warning: Do Not Do This If You Damage Your Dentures
It is tempting to try a quick do-it-yourself fix, but home repairs almost always cause more harm than good. Please avoid the following:
- Do not buy a home repair kit. These kits can cause your dentures to break even further. We have treated patients who ended up spending more money because a home repair went wrong.
- Do not use over-the-counter glues. Many household and store-bought glues contain chemicals that are not safe for your mouth and can be toxic if ingested. They can also permanently damage the denture and make a professional repair impossible. It is simply not worth the risk when our office can help.
Professional repair preserves the proper fit of your dentures, which matters more than most people realize. A denture that is glued back together at home rarely lines up correctly, and an ill-fitting denture can cause sore spots, difficulty chewing, and slipping while you speak.
How We Repair Damaged Dentures
When you bring your dentures to our Glendale office, we examine both the appliance and your gums and bite. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, we determine whether the dentures can be repaired, relined, or adjusted, or whether a replacement would serve you better in the long run. Many cracks, chips, and broken clasps can be repaired so your dentures fit and function like they should. We also check that the dentures still fit your mouth properly, since over time your gums and jaw can change shape, which sometimes contributes to breakage in the first place.
Why Dentures Break and How to Prevent It
Understanding why dentures break can help you avoid future damage. The most common causes are accidental drops, normal wear over years of use, and a fit that has loosened as the mouth changes shape. A denture that no longer fits snugly is more likely to shift, take uneven pressure, and crack. A little daily care goes a long way toward preventing damage.
- Handle dentures over a folded towel or a basin of water so a slip does not become a break.
- Clean them daily with denture-appropriate products and a soft brush, never abrasive household cleaners.
- Store them in water or a denture solution when not in use so they do not dry out and warp.
- Avoid very hot water, which can distort the shape of the denture.
- Keep up with regular dental visits so we can check the fit and catch small problems early.
Adjustments Should Be Left to Professionals
If your dentures feel loose, rub, or create sore spots, resist the urge to file, bend, or reshape them yourself. Improper adjustments can ruin the fit, damage the appliance, and injure your mouth. Instead, schedule a visit so we can make precise adjustments or a professional reline. Small, expert tweaks can make a dramatic difference in comfort and stability.
Alternatives to Dentures From a Cosmetic Dentist in Glendale
If you are only missing a few teeth, or if you are tired of dealing with denture issues, there are other tooth-replacement options worth discussing. During your visit, we can review which approach best fits your situation, your goals, and your budget.
Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
When only a few teeth are missing or damaged, dental crowns and dental bridges can be excellent alternatives to a partial denture. A crown is a custom cap that restores and protects a single damaged tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring replacement teeth to healthy neighboring teeth, which are fitted with crowns for support. Both options are fixed in place, look and feel natural, and let you chew and speak with confidence. They do require healthy supporting teeth, so we evaluate your mouth to determine whether they are a good fit for you. Partial and full dentures also remain a reliable, time-tested option for many patients.
Solving Problems With Dentures
Many denture frustrations, such as slipping, sore spots, or repeated breakage, can be solved without starting over. Adjustments, relines, and repairs often restore comfort and function. In other cases, switching to a different replacement option such as crowns or a bridge makes daily life easier. The key is to work with our team rather than struggling on your own. We will help you find the most comfortable, durable solution for your smile.
Cost and Insurance
Denture repairs are typically straightforward and affordable, and we provide a clear estimate before any work begins. We accept all PPO dental insurance, and many plans help cover denture repairs and replacements as well as restorative options like crowns and bridges, though coverage varies by plan. Please note that we do not accept Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal. Our team is happy to review your benefits and explain your costs up front.
Why Choose Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale
Infinite Dental Wellness is a trusted, gentle, all-ages dental practice in Glendale with a 4.9-star rating across more than 300 reviews. We are mercury-free and we offer same-day emergency appointments, which means a broken denture does not have to derail your day. Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan, our USC-trained husband-and-wife team, are committed to fast, compassionate care that gets you smiling comfortably again.
What Counts as a Denture Emergency?
Not every denture problem requires an immediate visit, but some do. Knowing the difference helps you act quickly when it matters. A denture that has cracked in half, lost a tooth, or has a broken clasp that is cutting into your gums should be seen promptly, because continuing to wear it can injure your mouth and worsen the damage. Even a denture that has simply become loose enough to slip while you eat or speak is worth addressing, since an ill-fitting denture can create painful sore spots and make daily life frustrating.
Because we offer same-day emergency appointments, you do not have to suffer through a broken or painful denture. If your denture breaks first thing in the morning or just before an important event, call us right away. Our team will do everything possible to see you quickly, assess the damage, and get you back to comfortable eating and speaking as soon as we can.
Daily Habits That Keep Dentures in Good Shape
Most denture damage is preventable with a few consistent habits. Dentures are durable but not indestructible, and the way you handle, clean, and store them has a big impact on how long they last. Building these habits into your routine protects both your dentures and your comfort.
- Always handle dentures over a folded towel or a sink filled with water in case you drop them
- Clean them daily with a denture brush and a denture cleaner, not abrasive toothpaste or household products
- Rinse them after meals to remove food particles
- Soak them in water or denture solution overnight so they do not dry out and warp
- Keep them away from hot water, which can distort their shape
- Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth daily to keep your mouth healthy
It is also important to keep your regular dental visits even if you wear full dentures. We check the fit of your dentures, examine your gums and the tissues of your mouth, and catch small problems before they become big ones. As your mouth naturally changes shape over the years, a denture that once fit perfectly may need a reline or adjustment to stay comfortable and secure.
Caring for Your Mouth, Not Just Your Dentures
Healthy dentures depend on a healthy mouth. Even without natural teeth, your gums, ridges, and tongue need daily attention to stay free of irritation and infection. Removing your dentures at night gives your gum tissue a chance to rest and recover. Gently cleaning your gums and tongue each day supports good circulation and fresh breath. If you notice persistent sore spots, redness, or discomfort, let us know rather than trying to adjust the denture yourself. With professional care and good daily habits, your dentures can serve you comfortably for years.
When a Repair Is Not Enough
Sometimes a denture has reached the end of its useful life, or the damage is too extensive for a simple repair. In those cases, a new denture or a different tooth-replacement option may be the better long-term investment. Dentures naturally wear over years of daily use, and repeated breaks are often a sign that the fit has changed or the material has weakened. Rather than spending money on repair after repair, it can make more sense to start fresh with a denture made for your mouth as it is today.
During your visit, we will give you an honest assessment of whether repair, reline, or replacement is the wisest choice. If you are weighing your options, we can also discuss alternatives such as crowns and bridges for replacing a few missing teeth. There is no one-size-fits-all answer; the right solution depends on your mouth, your goals, and your budget, and we will help you weigh the trade-offs so you can decide with confidence.
Call Us Right Away
If you have damaged your dentures, gather the pieces, set the dentures aside, and reach out to us. We will repair them professionally and check the fit so they serve you well. Ready to take the next step? Call Infinite Dental Wellness at (818) 541-1110 to schedule your visit. Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan, our USC-trained husband-and-wife team, welcome patients of all ages from Glendale and the surrounding communities with gentle, judgment-free care.