Denture repair kits are readily available at your local pharmacy, online or even in some supermarkets. While they can be a handy tool for emergency denture repairs, their use should only be limited to temporary solutions.
If you have a denture issue, you need to make an appointment with your denture clinic as soon as possible. Dental expertise is required for denture repairs and will prevent further damage and alleviate the risk of injury. Here’s what you need to know about the limitations of denture repair kits.
Understanding Denture Repairs
The most common denture repairs include broken teeth, loose fittings, and cracking in the base. Each of these damages requires a specific repair and have their own complexities. For example, loose fittings can be as simple as some tweaks to adjust the fit. Whereas a cracked base may involve relining or rebasing. In any case, a denture clinic professional should carry out these repairs to ensure they are completed correctly.
Denture Repair Kits: Pros and Cons
Pros
- It’s an affordable way to quickly repair dentures, whether it’s fractured, cracked or broken. If you have a tight budget, it’s difficult to pass up.
- It is certainly a convenient option – you can pick one up off the shelf and carry out your emergency denture repairs without moving your schedule around to schedule an appointment when your dentist can fit you in.
- You won’t need to worry about wearing a temporary prosthetic while your dental clinic carries out the necessary repairs.
Cons
- The initial cost saving might come back to bite you because a DIY repair is not going to be as effective as a professional one.
- Without the necessary knowledge and experience, there’s a good chance your DIY repair makes things worse.
- Not only could it cause additional damage to the dentures, but it could also result in oral injuries.
Potential Risks of DIY Repairs
Denture repair kits are designed for temporary repairs. They are to hold you over until you can get an appointment with the dentist. If you opt for a DIY repair instead of seeing a dentist, you could be making the damage much worse. By the time you reach the dentist, you may find yourself having to invest in a brand-new set of dentures. Common DIY mishaps include misalignments, damage, and improper bonding.
There is also a major risk of the damage causing sores, abscesses, and damage to any remaining natural teeth. So, not only are you threatening your bank account, but you are also putting your oral health at risk.
The Importance of Dental Expertise
The dentist has the qualifications necessary to assess your case and make the correct repairs quickly and efficiently. Their level of workmanship will be a much higher quality and often, they guarantee their work. Additionally, they can easily make quick adjustments to ensure the perfect fit once the repair is complete. If you opt for a DIY repair, you don’t have the necessary skills to carry out adjustments so your repair may result in an improper fit.
Complexities of Denture Repairs
There is more to denture repair than meets the eye. Your denture clinic understands the unique characteristics of each material used to create dentures and the techniques that go into proper bonding and alignment. The only way to ensure optimal comfort, functionality, and fit, is for your dentures to be precisely adjusted. That requires a professional touch and you simply can’t achieve that with a DIY repair kit.
Customised Repairs for Individual Needs
DIY repair kits are a one-size-fits-all approach, which is fine for a temporary solution. However, a dental professional will take an individual approach to provide customised repairs based on the conditions and needs of every patient. They understand underlying issues you may be experiencing and can prevent potential problems from arising down the line.
Comprehensive Oral Examination
When you visit the dentist to attend denture repairs or a check-up, they will carry out a comprehensive exam to assess the extent of repairs required. They will also look at your overall health to determine whether underlying issues are causing the problem or that could undermine the success of a repair.
Long-Term Solutions and Maintenance
When you visit a dental professional for repairs, they will seek to put a long-term solution in place. As handy as denture repair kits are, they are a temporary measure. They will not ensure your dentures remain functional and reliable in the long run. For that, you need regular check-ups with your dentist and professional maintenance when the need arises. This is the best way to protect your investment and extend your dentures’ lifespan.
Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic can help – we offer emergency denture repair appointments, but you can also book an appointment to discuss your options in terms of investing in a new set of dentures. We would be happy to walk you through the process and provide you with a quote.
