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Emergency Denture Repair – What You Need to Know
Dentures play a vital role in restoring a smile’s aesthetics and functionality. These prosthetic teeth replacements, typically made from acrylic resin, are customised to resemble natural teeth. In Australia, a significant number of older adults have faced tooth loss, with as many as 66% relying on partial or full dentures to maintain their oral health and appearance.
Despite their carefully crafted design, dentures can be prone to damage due to the fragile nature of the resin material. In this blog, we will explore the importance of dentures and when to seek emergency denture repair from a nearby dentist.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are meticulously crafted to fit comfortably in the mouth while restoring the appearance of a natural smile. Typically made from acrylic resin, dentures are customised to match the colour, shape, and size of the patient’s remaining teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with the natural dental arch.
Importance of Dentures
These dental appliances serve crucial functions that contribute to overall oral health and well-being. Firstly, dentures restore the ability to chew and eat properly, allowing individuals to enjoy a varied and nutritious diet. Also, they support facial muscles, preventing the sunken appearance that often accompanies tooth loss.
Dentures enhance speech clarity, helping individuals communicate effectively. From a psychological perspective, dentures can boost self-confidence and improve quality of life by restoring a natural-looking smile.
Understanding Emergency Denture Repair
Emergency denture repair refers to the urgent and often intricate process of fixing broken or damaged dentures. This repair process involves addressing various issues, such as cracks, fractures, or misalignments, to restore the functionality and comfort of the dentures. Due to dentures’ crucial role in restoring oral function and aesthetics, timely repair is essential to minimise disruption to daily life and ensure continued comfort and confidence.
Whether you are looking for emergency dentist in Melbourne or or simply looking for a good dentist, give us a call at (03) 9646 2577 or make an appointment online.
Over time, dentures can experience wear and tear from regular use. Continuous chewing, biting, and speaking can gradually weaken the denture material, leading to cracks, fractures, or other damage.
Accidental impacts or falls can cause significant damage to dentures. Dropping dentures onto hard surfaces or mishandling them can result in cracks, chips, or even breakage.
Improper handling or cleaning techniques can contribute to denture damage. Using harsh cleaning agents, brushing too vigorously, or applying excessive force when inserting or removing dentures can weaken the material and cause breakage.
Ill-fitting dentures can place undue stress on specific areas of the denture, leading to uneven pressure distribution and increased susceptibility to damage. Poorly fitted dentures may also cause discomfort or irritation, prompting users to adjust or manipulate them in ways that can result in breakage.
Staining or unpleasant odours from your dentures may indicate bacterial growth or deterioration of the denture material. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential, but professional repair may be necessary if stains or odours persist despite cleaning efforts.
If possible, collect all the pieces of the broken dentures. This includes any fragments or components that may have come loose.
Gently rinse the broken dentures under lukewarm water to remove debris or particles. Avoid using hot water, as it may cause further damage to the denture material.
Reach out to your emergency dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for denture repair. Explain the situation and inquire about their availability for emergency repairs.
Refrain from attempting to repair dentures using household adhesives or DIY methods. These makeshift repairs may worsen the damage and compromise the integrity of the dentures.
If you cannot immediately visit your dentist, store the broken dentures safely, away from heat or moisture. Placing them in a denture case or container can help prevent further damage or loss of pieces.
Realigning the Broken Denture
The first step in denture repair involves realigning the broken pieces of the denture to ensure proper fit and alignment. This may require careful manipulation and adjustment of the fractured components to achieve the desired position.
Support and Retention of the Dentures
Once the broken denture pieces are realigned, additional support and retention may be provided to stabilise the denture during the repair process. This may involve using specialised tools or materials to hold the denture in place securely.
Creation of the Impression Cast
A precise impression of the repaired denture is then created to accurately capture its shape and contours. This impression serves as a mould for crafting the final restoration and ensures a snug fit and optimal function once the repair is complete.
Setting up the Denture Impression Cast
The denture impression cast is prepared by pouring a dental material, such as plaster or stone, into the impression mould. This material hardens to create a denture replica, providing a foundation for the subsequent repair steps.
Cast Preparation and Denture Fixation
Finally, the cast is trimmed and refined to remove excess material and ensure proper fit and aesthetics. The repaired denture components are then securely attached to the cast using dental adhesives or bonding agents. Once the adhesive sets, the repaired denture is polished and finished to restore its appearance and functionality.
Experience swift and reliable emergency denture repair services at Dentist Port Melbourne. Our expert team is equipped to handle all your urgent dental needs, including fixing dentures. Don’t let broken dentures disrupt your daily life; book an appointment us for prompt assistance. Trust us for the best emergency dental care in Melbourne.
Get in touch with us today call (03) 9646 2577