Dentures are designed to restore your smile, improve chewing, and help you speak confidently, but like anything that gets used daily, they can sometimes break. A cracked denture or missing tooth can be frustrating, inconvenient, and it often happens at the worst possible time (usually right before dinner or a family event!).
The good news is that many denture breaks are preventable. Understanding the most common causes can help you protect your dentures and make them last longer.
1. Dropping Dentures
One of the biggest causes of broken dentures is simply dropping them.
Dentures can become slippery during cleaning, and because they are made of acrylic, they can crack or snap if they hit a hard surface like a sink, tile floor, or bathroom bench.
Helpful Tip:
Always clean your dentures over:
- A folded towel
- A sink filled with water
- Or a soft surface
This can cushion the impact if they accidentally slip from your hands.
2. Poorly Fitting Dentures
As your gums and jawbone naturally change over time, dentures can become loose. Loose dentures may move during eating or speaking, creating uneven pressure and stress on the denture base.
Over time, this repeated stress can lead to:
- Small cracks
- Fractures
- Broken denture teeth
- Broken clasps
If your dentures feel loose, uncomfortable, or move around while eating, it may be time for an adjustment or reline.
3. Chewing Hard Foods
Dentures are strong, but they are not indestructible. Biting directly into very hard foods can place excessive pressure on the denture.
Common culprits include:
- Ice cubes
- Hard lollies
- Nuts
- Pork crackling
- Bones
- Crusty bread
Even natural teeth can struggle with some of those foods, dentures definitely prefer a gentler approach!
4. Natural Wear and Tear
Dentures go through daily chewing forces, temperature changes, and years of use. Over time, the acrylic can weaken, making dentures more prone to cracking or breaking.
Older dentures may:
- Become thinner
- Develop tiny stress fractures
- Lose their strength and fit
Most dentures will eventually need replacing after years of normal use.
5. Attempting DIY Repairs
It can be tempting to reach for super glue when dentures break — but home repairs often make the problem worse.
DIY fixes can:
- Distort the fit
- Damage the acrylic
- Make professional repairs more difficult
- Introduce harmful chemicals into the mouth
If your dentures break, it’s always safest to contact your denture clinic for proper repairs.
Refer to our blog page for more information on denture repair
6. Sleeping in Dentures
Wearing dentures 24/7 can place constant pressure on both the dentures and your gums. Over time, this may contribute to increased wear, changes in fit, and stress on the denture material.
Removing dentures at night gives:
- Your gums time to rest
- Your mouth a chance to recover
- Your dentures a break from constant pressure
How to Help Prevent Broken Dentures
A few simple habits can help extend the life of your dentures:
- Clean them carefully over a soft surface
- Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods
- Remove dentures overnight
- Attend regular denture check-ups
- Have loose dentures adjusted early
- Store dentures safely when not in use
What Should You Do If Your Denture Breaks?
If your denture cracks, snaps, or loses a tooth:
- Stop wearing it if it feels uncomfortable
- Keep all broken pieces
- Avoid glue or home repair kits
- Contact your denture clinic as soon as possible
Many denture repairs can be completed quickly depending on the damage.
Contact us for a prompt appointment https://falsetoothfairy.com.au/contact-us/
Final Thoughts
Broken dentures are common, but many breaks happen gradually due to wear, poor fit, or accidental damage. Looking after your dentures properly and having regular check-ups can help prevent unexpected repairs and keep your smile comfortable and functional for longer.
If your dentures feel loose, worn, or have developed small cracks, it’s best to have them assessed before a bigger break occurs.