What to Do If Your Dentures Break While on Holiday
Posted on: 7 December 2016
Having your dentures break is inconvenient at the best of times, but it's even worse if you're away on holiday. Chances are you won't want to spend the rest of your vacation struggling to eat and talk or feeling paranoid about the way you look, but you probably don't fancy flying home to visit the dentist either. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to deal with problem in the short term before you return home and consult your regular dentist.
Purchase a denture repair kit
Denture repair kits are widely available — check large chemists and pharmacies to find one or purchase one online prior to your trip. These kits contain everything you need to fix minor damage yourself without the need to see a dentist straight away. The kit will contain a strong, safe resin which can be used to replace teeth that have fallen out or to glue two separate pieces back together.
You should only try to fix your dentures this way if you have all the pieces and no gaps will be left. Ensure that there are are no rough edges on your dentures after repairing as these can cut your mouth and gums. For teeth that have been lost, you can purchase sets of replacement teeth in multiple sizes and pick those that match the best.
Use a walk-in denture repair service
If you're not keen on trying to repair your own dentures, then seeking out a local repair service is your best option. Many labs offer a one-hour repair, so you can sit and wait for your dentures to be fixed. This is perfect for dealing with most common breakages, and you can be confident that the dentures will last you at least until the end of your holiday when you'll be able to visit your regular dentist for further advice. In some cases, the repaired dentures will last you for years, but in others you may need to arrange for a new set to be made.
Contact a local emergency dentist
If you're going to be in the area for a while and your dentures seem to be broken beyond repair, then contacting a local emergency dentist for professional denture repair is the best thing to do. The dentist will be able to consider your individual case and recommend the best course of action. This may involve a repair that takes a few days to complete or a new set of dentures being made and fitted. The dentist will be able to advise you on eating, drinking and caring for your mouth in the meantime.
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