Cracked Denture? What to Do Now | Dentures Spokane WA

A cracked denture can feel like a small emergency—especially right before work or a family event. The good news: with a calm first hour and the right follow-up, most cracks are fixable without replacing your entire prosthesis. If you wear dentures Spokane WA or you’re comparing options at a Spokane denture clinic, here’s exactly what to do (and avoid) to protect your smile and prevent further damage.

The First 60 Minutes: A Simple Action Plan

1) Stop and inspect safely Remove the denture carefully. If it’s in two pieces, collect every fragment. Check for sharp edges that could irritate your gums or tongue.

2) Rinse and store Rinse pieces with cool water (no hot water), then keep them moist in clean water or your soaking cup. Dry acrylic becomes brittle; moisture helps your denturist repair it cleanly.

3) Protect soft tissues If an edge is scratchy, place a thin layer of orthodontic/dental wax over the sharp spot. Avoid chewing on that side. Switch to soft foods until you’re seen.

4) Call for a same-day repair Contact a local provider right away—many denture clinics Spokane WA can triage cracks the same day. If you’re searching a denture clinic near me or dentures near me, prioritize clinics that do in-house adjustments and repairs.

5) Bring everything Bring all pieces of the denture, your case, adhesive (if you used any), and photos of how it broke if you have them. More information = faster, cleaner repair.

What Not to Do: Tape vs. Glue Myths

No household glues Super glue/cyanoacrylate, nail glue, epoxy, or hot glue contaminate acrylic, irritate tissues, and make professional repairs weaker or impossible.

No tape “splints” Transparent or duct tape won’t hold under saliva and movement. Adhesives trap bacteria and can create chemical irritation.

Don’t boil or heat Hot water warps acrylic—what seems like a quick clean can permanently distort the base.

Don’t file or sand DIY grinding creates uneven pressure points and micro-cracks that spread. Leave reshaping to a denturist Spokane with proper burs and polishers.

Don’t overload adhesive Denture adhesive is not a structural glue. Using big smears to “hold it together” traps debris and can worsen tissue injury.

Why Dentures Crack

(How to Prevent the Next One)

• Fit changes over time: Natural ridge resorption loosens a previously snug base, leading to flex and stress lines.

• Bite forces or clenching: Heavy chewing or grinding can fatigue acrylic, especially along the midline.

• Drops and thermal shock: Slips in the sink and hot-then-cold cycles create fracture points.

• Material age: Older acrylics and worn teeth shift forces to weaker spots.

Prevention tips

• Line the sink with a towel when cleaning.

• Soak nightly; avoid hot water and bleach.

• Schedule annual fit checks; timely relines reduce flex and crack risk.

• Ask about high-impact acrylics if you clench, or implant-assisted options for recurring lower-denture fractures.

Temporary Comfort Until You’re Seen

• Soft diet (eggs, yogurt, blended soups, smoothies) to minimize pressure.

• Warm salt-water rinses 2–3×/day to calm irritated tissues.

• Orthodontic wax on sharp edges; remove before cleaning/soaking.

• Limit wear if the crack is wide or rocking—continuous stress can turn a repairable crack into a full fracture.

If persistent soreness develops, remove the denture and call your provider. Pain is a sign the crack is creating new pressure points.

Repair Timeline: What to Expect Clinically

• Small base crack or chipped flange: Often repaired same day with proper surface prep and heat-cure or pressure-pot techniques.

• Midline fracture (split in two): Common and typically repairable same day or within 24 hours; may require a reline to prevent repeat failure.

• Broken or debonded tooth: Frequently fixed same day; occlusion (your bite) is checked and refined.

• Recurring fractures: Usually a fit/force issue—expect a hard reline or remake discussion and, when appropriate, implant-assisted stabilization.

For dependable, local care, many patients comparing Spokane dentures choose practices that do relines and repairs in-house to reduce downtime.

When a Repair Isn’t Enough

Consider a hard reline if:

• The crack followed months of looseness, rocking, or heavy adhesive use.

• You’ve had recent weight or medication changes (dry mouth) that altered tissue contact.

Consider a replacement if:

• Teeth are worn flat or the base has multiple old repairs.

• Cracks recur despite adjustments and relines.

Our goal is predictable comfort and longevity—quick fixes are great, but the root cause needs a plan.

Local, Ready-When-You-Need-Us Support

At Grishin Denture Specialist, we provide same-day triage for many fractures, on-the-spot adjustments, and proactive relines to keep your prosthesis secure and comfortable. If you’re searching a denture clinic near me, we offer fast diagnostics, precise bite checks, and clean, durable repairs. We also provide affordable dentures Spokane options without sacrificing quality or appearance.

We serve patients across Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake.

Whether you’re exploring dentures for the first time or have worn them for years, one thing remains true: a great fit changes everything. From confident smiles to comfortable meals, the right dentures make life better. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we help patients across Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake rediscover comfort with affordable dentures in Spokane that feel natural and fit like they should. If your denture just cracked—or if it slips, clicks, or causes soreness—Denturist Michael Grishin can provide a fast repair, a stabilizing reline, or a beautifully crafted new set of dentures in Spokane.

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