Most dentures aren’t damaged during meals. They are far more likely to crack, chip, or break when they’re being handled outside the mouth. A denture can slip from your hands while cleaning it, fall from the edge of a sink, or become damaged after being stored improperly. In other cases, dentures gradually lose their shape because they are left out to dry instead of being kept moist as recommended. These issues are common, but they are also largely avoidable with the right care habits.
At Summit Smiles in La Habra, CA, we frequently help patients whose dentures have been damaged by preventable accidents or improper storage. In this guide, we'll explain the most common reasons dentures break or warp and outline practical steps you can take to help keep them in good condition.
Why Dentures Are More Fragile Than Most People Realize
Dentures may feel sturdy and dependable when they're in place, but they're much more fragile once they're out of your mouth.
Most dentures are made from an acrylic resin called polymethyl methacrylate. It is lightweight, natural-looking, and relatively easy to adjust or repair. While acrylic offers many advantages, it is not designed to withstand hard impacts. If a denture slips from your hands and lands on a tile floor or sink, the force of the fall can cause cracks, broken teeth, or even a complete fracture of the denture base. The artificial teeth attached to the denture are often made from acrylic or composite materials as well, making them susceptible to similar types of damage.
Partial dentures are typically reinforced with a strong cobalt-chromium metal framework, but their acrylic portions remain vulnerable to cracks if dropped or subjected to sudden force. Over time, the metal clasps that attach to natural teeth can also weaken from repeated bending and stress.
Research published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry identified fractures along the center of upper dentures as one of the most common mechanical problems among denture wearers. Many of these fractures occur while dentures are being cleaned, stored, or handled outside the mouth rather than during normal use.
"Most of the broken dentures we repair didn't break during a meal. They broke in the bathroom, or dried out on a counter overnight. What happens to the denture outside the mouth matters just as much as how you use it inside."
— Amit Shah DDS, Summit Smiles
How to Remove and Handle Your Dentures Safely
Removing your dentures is something you do every day, which means even small handling mistakes can add up over time and increase the risk of damage.
When taking your dentures out, support them with your entire hand instead of pinching them between your fingertips. Concentrated pressure on a small area of the acrylic can create stress points that may eventually lead to cracks. Whenever possible, use both hands to stabilize the denture and gently release the suction or loosen the fit before removal.
Lower dentures often release more comfortably with a careful side-to-side movement while lifting upward. Upper dentures are usually easiest to remove with gentle downward pressure and a slight rocking motion. Avoid pulling forcefully or twisting the appliance, as this can place unnecessary stress on the denture. Repeated force on the clasps of partial dentures can gradually weaken the metal and affect the fit.
One of the simplest ways to prevent accidental breakage is to create a softer landing surface before handling your dentures. Partially fill a basin with water or place a folded towel in the sink. If the denture slips from your hands, the impact is far less likely to cause cracks or fractures.
Maintain a secure grip or place your dentures in a cup while cleaning or rinsing them after meals. Dentures can become slippery when wet, and running water can make them easier to drop.
How to Clean Dentures Without Causing Damage
Use a soft-bristled brush designed specifically for dentures. Regular toothbrushes can create tiny scratches in the acrylic surface, making dentures more prone to staining and bacterial buildup over time.
Avoid standard toothpaste. Many toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients formulated for natural tooth enamel, which is much harder than denture acrylic. Repeated use can gradually wear down the denture surface, leaving it rougher and less attractive. Instead, clean your dentures with a denture cleanser or a mild dish soap recommended by your dentist. After cleaning, rinse the denture thoroughly to remove any remaining cleanser before placing it back in your mouth.
How to Store Dentures Overnight to Help Prevent Damage
Proper overnight storage plays an important role in maintaining the fit and longevity of your dentures. While leaving dentures out to dry may not cause immediate damage, repeated dry storage can gradually affect the material and lead to fit issues over time.
Dentures are designed to retain moisture. When they dry out repeatedly, the material can become more brittle and may undergo slight changes in shape. Even minor warping can affect how the denture fits, making it feel loose, uncomfortable, or less stable.
Store dentures overnight in a sealed container filled with cool water or a denture-soaking solution to help preserve their shape. Soaking solutions can also help control odors while keeping the denture surface clean.
Avoid leaving dentures exposed on a countertop, storing them in hot water, or wrapping them in tissue. These practices can contribute to drying, warping, accidental damage, or even misplacing the appliance.
| Storage Method | Works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cool water, sealed container | Yes | Simple and effective |
| Denture soaking solution | Yes | Also cleans and reduces odor |
| Dry, open on counter | No | Causes brittleness and warping over time |
| Hot water | No | Softens and distorts the acrylic |
| Wrapped in tissue | No | Dries it out and gets thrown away |
Choose a Safe Place to Store Your Dentures
Where you keep your denture container is just as important as how you store the dentures themselves. Choose a fixed storage location and use it every day to reduce the chances of misplacing or damaging the appliance.
A closed cabinet or drawer is generally safer than leaving dentures on an open countertop or shelf, particularly in homes with children or pets. Dogs are often attracted to the scent of dentures and can quickly chew and destroy them if given the opportunity. Storing dentures in a sealed container with a secure lid inside a closed cabinet can help prevent these avoidable accidents.
Common Handling Mistakes That Can Lead to Denture Damage
Many denture fractures are caused by simple handling habits that seem harmless at the time. One of the most common mistakes is leaving dentures on the edge of a sink or countertop. Bathrooms are where dentures are most often removed, cleaned, and stored temporarily, but they also contain hard surfaces that offer little protection if a denture falls.
Wrapping dentures in a tissue may seem convenient, but the denture can dry out if left wrapped for extended periods, and it may be accidentally mistaken for trash and thrown away. If you need to transport your dentures, place them in a protective container with a small amount of water to help keep them safe and moist.
Another common mistake is cleaning dentures with excessive force. While dentures should be cleaned thoroughly, aggressive scrubbing can place repeated stress on the acrylic base. Over time, this wear may contribute to small cracks that can eventually develop into larger fractures. A gentle brushing technique is usually all that's needed.
Using excessive denture adhesive to make up for a loose or uncomfortable fit can place unnecessary strain on the denture and its components. Adhesive is intended to improve the stability of a properly fitting denture, not correct significant fit problems. If you find yourself relying on large amounts of adhesive, it may be time to have your denture evaluated and adjusted by a dental professional.
Another mistake that often goes unnoticed is soaking partial dentures in mouthwash. Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can gradually damage acrylic materials and contribute to corrosion of the metal framework found in many partial dentures. For routine soaking, use cool water or a denture-cleaning solution specifically designed for dental appliances.
"The best team of dental professionals I ever had! So attentive, very caring, always asks how I'm doing, the ladies in the front are so helpful and knowledgeable. You can't find a better dental office than Summit Smiles!"
— Patricia Candelaria
"The entire staff here were so great and welcoming and super friendly! They were thorough and efficient in attending to me and answered all my questions and made me feel at ease. I am happy I stumbled upon them and am gonna be making them my go-to dentist office because of the great service and staff."
— Nicki Escamilla
"Just visited their office today and was quite satisfied not only with the way they handled my treatment but also the way they treated me. They were polite and welcoming. They never lost patience answering my inquiries even though I had quite a lot. Excellent dentist in La Habra. Highly recommended!"
— Vitor Araf
Need Help With Denture Care or Repairs?
If your dentures feel uncomfortable, need an adjustment, or have been damaged, professional guidance can help prevent further problems. Even if you're simply unsure whether you're cleaning and storing your dentures correctly, a dental evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.
At Summit Smiles, we regularly care for patients from La Habra and neighboring communities such as Fullerton, Brea, and South Whittier.
Questions about denture care or repairs? We're here to help.
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