Dentures are durable, but they are not indestructible. Over time, normal wear, accidental drops, poor fit, or improper care can lead to cracks, fractures, or complete breakage.
Understanding what causes denture damage can help you prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of your appliance.
Here’s what you need to know.
1️⃣ Accidental Drops
The most common cause of denture breakage is dropping them during cleaning or handling.
Dentures become slippery when wet, and falling onto a hard surface like tile or porcelain can cause:
- Hairline cracks
- Chipped teeth
- Base fractures
- Full breaks
💡 Tip: Always clean dentures over a folded towel or sink filled with water.
If breakage occurs, review
what to do if dentures break
2️⃣ Normal Wear and Tear
Over time, dentures experience daily stress from:
- Chewing
- Biting pressure
- Temperature changes
- Jaw movement
Even high-quality dentures may develop micro-fractures after years of use.
Regular checkups can catch small issues before they worsen. Learn more in
how often dentures should be checked or adjusted
3️⃣ Poor Fit or Bone Changes
Your jawbone naturally changes shape over time. When dentures no longer fit properly:
- Uneven pressure develops
- Stress concentrates in weak areas
- Cracks form in the acrylic base
Loose dentures are more likely to break.
If you’re using excessive adhesive, it may signal fit problems. See
denture adhesive problems
4️⃣ Improper Storage
Storing dentures incorrectly can cause warping or material weakness.
Common mistakes include:
- Letting dentures dry out
- Using hot water
- Leaving them exposed overnight
Proper storage helps prevent structural damage. Read
how to store dentures safely
5️⃣ Chewing Hard Foods
Hard foods can create sudden stress fractures. Risky foods include:
- Ice
- Hard candy
- Nuts
- Hard crust bread
Even a small crack can spread if ignored.
6️⃣ DIY Repairs
Store-bought repair kits often:
- Use temporary bonding materials
- Misalign the bite
- Cause additional cracking
- Make professional repair more difficult
Professional repair ensures structural integrity and proper alignment.
Learn the difference in
denture repair vs dental office repair
Warning Signs Before a Break
Watch for:
- Small visible cracks
- Clicking sounds while chewing
- Changes in bite alignment
- Increasing looseness
- Discomfort in one area
Addressing these signs early prevents full denture failure.
When to Seek Professional Repair
If your dentures crack or break, avoid gluing them yourself. Professional evaluation ensures:
- Safe materials
- Proper alignment
- Structural reinforcement
- Long-term durability
We provide expert denture repair services in
St. Louis, helping restore comfort and function quickly.
📍 9495 Page Ave #102, St. Louis, MO 63132
📞 Call today for professional denture repair.