Why Has My Denture Broken? The Honest Truth (And What You Can Do About It)

If you have ever opened your bathroom cabinet, reached for your dentures, and found a crack or worse a clean break, you are not alone. Denture breakages are far more common than you might think. At Swissedent Denture Clinic, we see everything from a small hairline crack to dentures that have split clean in half after years of loyal service. So why do dentures break, and what can you do to prevent it from happening again? Let us dive into it, with a touch of humour, honesty, and good old-fashioned dental wisdom.

1. Everyday wear and tear – dentures are not immortal
Dentures are designed to be tough, but they are not indestructible. Just like tyres wear down after miles on the road, dentures go through a daily marathon of chewing, biting, talking, and cleaning. Over time, the acrylic or metal base can weaken, especially if the fit is not perfect anymore.

A typical denture lifespan is five to seven years. After that, your mouth and gums naturally change shape, meaning your dentures no longer sit as snugly as they used to. That movement, even if it feels minor, puts uneven stress on the denture. Eventually, it gives up, usually at the most inconvenient time possible, such as right before a family dinner or a holiday.

2. Dropping them – gravity always wins
You might laugh, but one of the most common reasons dentures break is a simple case of butterfingers. Many people accidentally drop their dentures while cleaning them over a hard surface like a sink or tiled floor. Acrylic does not bounce, it cracks.

Here is a friendly tip: when cleaning your dentures, fill the sink with water or lay a soft towel inside. That way, if they slip, they have a safe landing. Think of it as a little parachute for your smile.

3. Poor fit and pressure points
If your dentures feel loose or rub in certain areas, they are already giving you a sign. A poor fit means uneven pressure every time you bite or chew. Over time, those pressure points can act like bending spots on a paperclip, eventually it snaps.

A professional denture check every year helps spot these issues early. At Swissedent, we always recommend regular adjustments to ensure your dentures are supporting your mouth evenly and comfortably. It is not just about comfort, it is about protecting your investment.

4. Chewing habits that put them to the test
Dentures are made for chewing food, not for wrestling it. If you love tough meats, sticky sweets, or have a habit of using your dentures to open packets (yes, we have seen it), you are putting unnecessary strain on them.

Try to keep your diet denture friendly by cutting tougher foods into smaller pieces and chewing slowly. Your dentures will thank you, and so will your digestive system.

5. Changes in your mouth and gums
Your gums and bone structure naturally change over time, especially after tooth loss. As the bone shrinks, dentures lose their snug fit and begin to move slightly when you eat or talk. This small movement creates stress points and can eventually cause cracks or fractures.

It is not your fault, it is simply how biology works. The solution is to have your dentures relined, rebased, or replaced every few years. A reline adds new material inside the denture to improve the fit, while a rebase replaces the entire base but keeps your existing teeth.

6. Heat and cleaning habits gone wrong
Hot water and harsh cleaning chemicals might seem like the quick way to clean dentures, but they can actually damage them. Excessive heat can warp acrylic dentures, changing their shape so they no longer fit properly. Likewise, household cleaners or bleach can weaken the material and make it more prone to breaking.

Stick with lukewarm water, a soft brush, and proper denture cleaning tablets. Treat your dentures like jewellery for your mouth, not a frying pan that needs scrubbing.

7. The natural ageing of materials
Even the best-made dentures have a shelf life. Over time, microscopic wear, tiny fractures, and exposure to temperature changes can slowly degrade the material. It does not happen overnight, but one day you may notice a small crack that was not there before.

This is why it is important to have your dentures checked regularly by a Clinical Dental Technician. At Swissedent, we can spot signs of weakness before a full break happens and often repair or reinforce them before it is too late.

8. Accidents and the unexpected
Sometimes life just happens. You might accidentally sit on your dentures, drop them in the sink, or your pet decides they make a perfect chew toy. While you cannot prevent every accident, you can store your dentures safely in a protective case when not in use.

9. How to fix a broken denture
If your denture breaks, do not try to glue it back together at home. Superglue, epoxy, and DIY repair kits can cause chemical burns, distort the fit, and make professional repairs impossible later.

Instead, wrap the denture in a clean tissue or place it in a case, and bring it to a qualified denture clinic as soon as possible. In most cases, we can repair it the same day. The repair process usually involves cleaning the break, aligning the pieces, and adding new acrylic to bond everything back together. Once repaired, it is polished and adjusted for comfort.

If your denture keeps breaking in the same spot, that is a sign the fit needs to be checked or it may be time for a replacement.

10. Preventing future breakages
Here are a few simple ways to extend the life of your dentures:

• Have them checked annually for fit and wear.
• Keep them clean using proper denture care products.
• Avoid dropping them by cleaning over a towel or bowl of water.
• Store them safely in a protective case when not in use.
• Never expose them to boiling water or harsh chemicals.
• Avoid biting very hard foods or using them for non-chewing tasks.
  
  

A little care goes a long way. Think of it like servicing your car, it keeps everything running smoothly and saves you costly repairs down the line.

When to see a professional
If your denture feels loose, clicks when you talk, causes sore spots, or you notice cracks or thinning in the base, book a professional check-up. Even if it looks fine, regular visits help ensure your denture continues to support your oral health and facial shape properly.

At Swissedent Denture Clinic, we specialise in creating and repairing high-quality dentures that look natural, fit comfortably, and restore confidence. Every denture we make is hand-finished by experienced Clinical Dental Technicians, using advanced materials and techniques to ensure strength, comfort, and aesthetics.

Dentures break for all sorts of reasons, age, wear, accidents, or simply because your mouth has changed over time. The good news is that most cases can be repaired or improved quickly and professionally.
So, if your denture has had a little accident, do not panic and definitely do not reach for the superglue. Bring it to the experts who understand how to make it right again.

If your denture is cracked, loose, or just not feeling quite right, book a free consultation at Swissedent Denture Clinic today. We will assess the damage, repair or adjust your denture, and have you smiling confidently again in no time.

📞 Call us on 020 3489 2055  or visit www.swissedent.co.uk