Broken Denture Repair in Highgate

Understanding Broken Dentures

Dentures play an essential role in helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence. When a denture breaks, cracks, or loses a tooth, it can be both inconvenient and distressing. At N6 Dental Platinum in Highgate, we offer emergency denture repair to help restore your denture and get you back to normal as quickly as possible.

Whether you wear full dentures or partial dentures, damage can occur unexpectedly. It is important to seek professional repair rather than attempting to fix the denture yourself, as improper repairs can cause further damage or affect the fit and comfort of the appliance.

Common Causes of Broken Dentures

• Accidental drops: Dentures are delicate and can crack or break if dropped onto a hard surface, particularly during cleaning.
• Normal wear and tear: Over time, the materials in dentures can weaken, making them more prone to fractures.
• Changes in jaw shape: As the jawbone naturally resorbs (shrinks) over time, dentures may no longer fit as well, creating stress points that can lead to cracking.
• Eating hard foods: Biting into very hard foods can place excessive force on the denture.
• Teeth grinding or clenching: Habitual grinding can wear down and damage denture teeth and the base material.
• Poor fit: Ill-fitting dentures rock and flex during use, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Age of the denture: Older dentures are more susceptible to breakage as the acrylic becomes brittle.

Types of Denture Damage

• A crack or fracture in the denture base (the pink part)
• A denture tooth that has fallen out or become loose
• The denture has broken into two or more pieces
• A metal clasp on a partial denture has bent or broken
• The denture no longer fits comfortably

Treatment Options for Broken Dentures

At N6 Dental Platinum, we will assess the damage to your denture and recommend the most appropriate repair or replacement:

• Denture repair: Many cracks, fractures, and lost teeth can be professionally repaired, often within the same day.
• Denture reline: If the denture no longer fits well, a reline can be performed to improve the fit and comfort by adding new material to the fitting surface.
• Clasp repair or replacement: Broken or bent clasps on partial dentures can be repaired or replaced.
• New dentures: If the denture is beyond repair or has reached the end of its useful life, we can arrange for new dentures to be made.
• Temporary repair: In urgent cases, a temporary repair may be carried out while a more permanent solution is arranged.

What to Do If Your Denture Breaks

• Gather all the pieces and keep them safe — do not throw anything away
• Do not attempt to repair the denture yourself using household glue, as this can be harmful and may make professional repair more difficult
• If the denture has a sharp edge, avoid wearing it to prevent injury to your mouth
• Contact our practice as soon as possible to arrange an emergency appointment
• If you have a spare denture, use it temporarily until your damaged one is repaired

Caring for Your Dentures

• Handle dentures over a folded towel or basin of water to cushion any accidental drops
• Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and appropriate cleaning solution — not regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive
• Remove dentures at night to allow your gums to rest
• Store dentures in water or denture solution when not in use to prevent them drying out and warping
• Attend regular dental check-ups so the fit and condition of your dentures can be assessed
• Have dentures professionally relined or replaced as recommended by your dentist

If your denture has broken and you need urgent repair in Highgate, contact N6 Dental Platinum on 020 4512 4766. Our practice at 345 Archway Road, directly opposite Highgate Station, provides emergency denture repair to help restore your comfort and confidence.