Denture Repair Methods: How to Repair a Broken Denture
Last Updated on December 2, 2023 by Jade
Fact Checked by Dr. M. Mansoor Majeed
Dr. M. Mansoor Majeed (BDS, MDS, CHPE) has over ten years of experience as a practicing dentist, medical writer, and researcher. He also works as an assistant professor at a renowned health sciences university. Dr. Mansoor has written more than 25 research articles, which have been published in renowned medical journals, and has presented his research at conferences worldwide.
Table of Contents
- 1 Types Of Damage To Dentures
- 2 How To Repair A Broken Denture
- 3 Denture Tooth Repair Kits
- 4 Can You Use Super Glue On Dentures?
- 5 Denture Repair FAQs
- 5.1 What are the different methods for repairing dentures?
- 5.2 Can all types of denture damage be repaired at home?
- 5.3 How much does it cost to repair dentures?
- 5.4 Can dentures be repaired at home or should I go to a professional?
- 5.5 How long does it take to repair dentures at home?
- 5.6 What should be considered before attempting to repair dentures at home?
- 5.7 Are there any risks associated with repairing dentures at home?
- 5.8 What should I do if my denture is beyond repair?
- 6 Is A Denture Repair Kit The Best Option For You?
Although dentures undergo a lot of stress and strain in everyday use, they can be delicate and fragile, and can sometimes break. However, denture repair can be an easy fix.
In this article, we will outline some of the best ways to repair a broken denture.
| Image | Title | Rating | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dentemp Broken Denture Repair Kit (3 Repairs) | 4.1 out of 5 stars |  |
 | Perk Denture Repair Kit With 28 Denture Teeth | 4.0 out of 5 stars | |
 | Temptooth #1 Seller Trusted Patented Temporary Tooth Replacement Product – with FREE dental tools | 3.9 out of 5 stars | |
 | D.O.C. Repair-It Advanced Formula Denture Repair Kit | 4.2 out of 5 stars | |
Types Of Damage To Dentures
The most common damage that can occur to a denture can result from how they are handled. Dentures, regardless of whether they are full dentures or partials, are fragile. Therefore, they should always be handled with care, but there are times when they may get dropped or fall off of a counter or nightstand. As a result:
- a tooth can break or completely fall out of the denture
- the prosthesis can crack, fracture, or snap in half
- a piece of the acrylic can break or chip off, or
- in the case of partial dentures; a metal clasp can be damaged.
Dentures can get weaker over time. After years of wear and tear, they endure many stress cycles from day-to-day usage. They also will sit differently in your jaw and your jawbone changes shape over time, creating pressure points on the denture which can cause extra stress and weaken it. On top of this, fluctuations in temperature due to hot and cold food and being exposed to acidity and constant moisture can all have different effects.
Like a lot of things, prevention is better than cure. So as such, it is important to always treat your denture with care to minimize the risk of any damage occurring. Make sure that you check out this article on signs that you may need new dentures.
How To Repair A Broken Denture
There are two main methods available to fix a broken denture:
- use a DIY denture repair kit
- visit your dentist for a professional denture repair.
You may be very tempted to do a quick repair job on your false teeth, considering the amount that dentists charge. However, one important point to note is that no doubt you have initially spent quite a lot of money on your dentures. You use them every day to eat, speak, and look your best. And you want them to work as well as possible for as long as possible. When using a DIY method, you run the risk of causing further damage to your dentures meaning that the dentist will have a more difficult job completing the professional repair, which will cost you even more in the long run.
If the damage to a denture is in the form of a broken tooth, and you want to try a DIY method, this is a relatively easy repair. There are many products available to address various denture repairs and in the case of a broken tooth, even super glue can be used with caution.
All you need to do is prepare the surface for the denture repair glue by completely washing and drying the denture and tooth fragment. Apply a small amount of glue and attach the tooth making sure it is in the correct position. Let it dry and then you can wear the denture. We look into this in more detail below.
However, if you have cracked or fractured your denture plate, this is not as good a candidate for DIY denture repair. The denture has to be put together exactly how it was originally. If you get it even slightly wrong, it can result in issues like your bite being a little off, a lack of suction, or rubbing and irritation.
Repair kits can be purchased at drugstores and online and can fix small denture damage. This is just a common temporary fix until a professional repair can be done, although as mentioned above, some dentists advise against repair kits.
The other method is to visit your dentist for a professional denture repair. Sometimes dentists can repair your denture in the same visit. Other times they may have to send it away to the lab for repair. Dentists have access to all the correct equipment, acrylics, adhesives, and replacement teeth to give you the best result possible.
Denture Tooth Repair Kits
There are several different commercially available kits designed specifically to temporarily fix broken dentures. While they all do a good job, their primary focus is providing consumers with an affordable and effective alternative until you can schedule a professional repair from a dental office.
Dentemp Broken Denture Repair Kit
Dentemp has manufactured a product called the Repair-It Broken Denture Repair Kit. It is promoted as being easy to use and zinc-free so it is safe to use as well.
The kit is designed to fix breaks, replace loose teeth, and mend cracks. This kit is sufficient for 3 denture repairs.
Online reviews of this product rave about how the product works. In one instance a denture was broken in half and the denture repair glue mixture from Dentemp not only fixed the dentures, but repair also continued to hold long after the fix.
For more information on the Dentemp Broken Denture Repair Kit, click here.
Pros
Cons
Perk Denture Repair Kit
Perk has their Denture Repair Kit with 28 Denture Teeth (Pink) which is a little more extensive than the Majestic Drug kit. It comes complete with random size and shade teeth. It can be used as both an emergency or home repair kit and is promoted as being the perfect solution to a temporary fix until a dentist can be consulted for a proper repair.
Online reviews of this product are also favorable with mentions of how handy it is to have in case of an unexpected, accidental break or damage to dentures.
This product mixes into a paste that can be used to fill in breaks and cracks and can be applied to hold broken or missing teeth in place.
For more information on the Perk Denture Repair Kit, click here.
Pros
Cons
Temptooth Temporary Tooth Replacement
Temptooth has a kit called the Temporary Tooth Replacement Product. It is a product specifically made to replace a broken or missing tooth by constructing a new, temporary one.
The kit includes detailed instructions on how to make the tooth with a full-color brochure of easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. There’s also access to a 3D animated video showing a complete demonstration.
The kit has enough material in it to allow for the construction of up to ten temporary teeth.
Online reviews verify the claims by Temptooth that the quality of the product is superior and that the temporary teeth are easy to make and shape to fit.
For more information on the Temptooth product, click here.
Pros
Cons
D.O.C. Repair-It Advanced Formula Denture Repair Kit
This kit comes with all the materials you need to perform several different denture repairs. If your dentures have broken or cracked, you can easily repair that with this kit. If you have loose, chipped, or missing teeth on your dentures, you can fix that as well.
The instructions explain everything you need to know for any type of denture repair. Plus, you can have these repairs completed in just a matter of minutes. This package is a two-pack with each providing enough material for three repairs.
For more information on the D.O.C. Repair-It Advanced Formula Denture Repair Kit, click here.
Pros
Cons
Can You Use Super Glue On Dentures?
There are quite a few people asking whether you can use super glue to fix your broken denture. I have not tried this myself; however, I was still interested in finding out whether you could fix dentures with super glue. So I have done quite a lot of research on the topic.
There are many people who say that they have had a good experience with using super glue to fix their dentures. On the flip side, there seem to be about as many people that are against it.
Here, I will outline some of my findings & concerns that people have… then you can make your own decision:
It Is Toxic?
Many people are concerned that superglue is toxic, which is fair enough. Anyone who has been near superglue knows how strong the smell of toxic fumes can be. It is understandable that people do not want this to go into their mouths.
There are reports that the super glue is only toxic when it is in liquid form. When it is liquid, you have to be careful not to inhale the fumes. But after it hardens, the fumes are not as strong. It may also cause allergic skin reactions in some people.
Does It Work In Wet Conditions?
There have been reports that it doesn’t work as well in damp or wet conditions. From my research, people who have used super glue have reported that it is not affected by dampness. Regardless, if you do decide to try this, then you would need to ensure that your dentures are completely clean and dry before you start.
The initial fixing process is very fast (approx. 15-30 seconds); however, full curing or bonding takes around 24 hours (and is dependent on certain things like humidity, temperature, etc). Therefore, you should not be placing it back in your mouth until it is fully cured.
How Well Does It Work?
There have been quite a few reports of people being able to use superglue to fix their dentures for varying periods of time. Some reported that it worked ok until they were able to visit their dentist for permanent fixing. Others reported that it was still working after a few years!
Other Points To Note When Using Super Glue To Fix Your Dentures
Here are a few points to note:
- It works best if the crack line up perfectly. If small bits are missing, superglue should not be used to fill in the gaps
- The dentures need to be completely clean and dry before you make a start
- Make sure that you have a practice run before applying the glue. Because super glue dries very quickly, you want to ensure that you are confident that you will get the join right on the 1st attempt
- Apply a small amount of super glue along the broken edge of the denture, and carefully join it together. As mentioned, initial bonding is fast, so you must line it up perfectly
- Even though it appears to dry quickly, give it at least 24 hours to fully bond
- Take care not to use too much glue. Excess glue can cause the denture to rub when in use, which could mean that you need professional repair work faster than you may like. The join will probably end up not as smooth as the originally unbroken denture, so if this is in an area that will rub against gums or skin, this could cause irritation
- Only do all this work in a well-ventilated area, and do not get it on your skin, clothes, or anything else valuable.
So Should You Use Super Glue To Repair Dentures?
As mentioned, there are a lot of people who have had great results from using this method, but there are also a lot of people who are against it. At the end of the day, it is your decision.
You have to be careful with any DIY option so that you do not cause more damage than has already been experienced. Remember that your dentures play a very important role in your life, so you do not want to end up with an uncomfortable set that gives you continuous grief. Also, if you end up causing more damage, the repair bill to return them to their full use, or the cost of replacement dentures, can be a lot.
Note that this is not intended to be a permanent repair job. It will never be as strong as the original denture. And it is highly unlikely that you will line it up perfectly or it will be as comfortable as the original.
Also, as mentioned, these findings are just from my research. I am not recommending that you try this method. You have to make your own decisions if you want to try using super glue to fix your dentures.
If you have any concerns whatsoever, you can use one of the more reputable DIY denture repair kits available (mentioned in this article above), or you can visit your dentist for a professional repair job.
However, if you have tried to fix broken dentures with super glue, I’d love to hear how it went for you. Let me know in the comments section below.
Denture Repair FAQs
What are the different methods for repairing dentures?
There are several ways that dentures can be repaired. However, the repair method will depend on the type and extent of the damage. Here are a few of the most common methods used to repair dentures:
– Adding/Replacing A Tooth: When a single denture tooth is either damaged or falls out of the denture plate, it can often just be replaced or reattached. The best way to have this done correctly is with the assistance of a dental lab technician. They have the tools and expertise to create a new tooth that will match the others in your denture plate.
– Replacing A Section Of The Denture: If a portion of the denture base or framework is broken, it can still be repaired. Only in this example, the damaged section will have to be replaced with new material. You will need a dental lab technician or your dentist to do this work.
– Adding A Clasp: If damage to a partial denture occurs to a clasp, it can often be repaired or replaced. Again, the work will have to be completed by a dental lab technician.
– Adjusting The Fit: The way a denture fits in the mouth may change over time. This can be the result of either damage to the denture or natural changes to the shape of the gum line. The denture can be adjusted by your dentist to improve both comfort and fit.
– Relining The Denture: If the denture fit cannot be improved through adjustment, relining should remedy the problem. Your dentist will add a new layer of material to the base of the denture plate and mold it to fit on your gum line.
There are also smaller, minor repairs you can do at home with a repair kit. However, it is a task that is better handled by a professional to ensure that it is done properly.
Can all types of denture damage be repaired at home?
Some minor denture repairs can be completed at home with a repair kit. However, not all types of denture damage can be fixed this way. A small chip or crack in a denture is usually safe to fix at home. More complex repairs like a missing tooth, broken denture plate, or relining are best left for a dental professional to correct.
How much does it cost to repair dentures?
Several different factors will determine the cost of repairing dentures. They will include how much damage there is, where the damage has taken place, and the dentist or dental lab tech doing the repair work. With this in mind, minor repairs such as a small chip or crack will cost anywhere between $50 and $200. More extensive repairs ranging from replacing a missing tooth or fixing a broken denture base can cost between $200 and $500 or more. The cost will also vary where the repair is being performed. For example, a mail-in repair service or a denture repair shop will cost less than a dental office or dental lab. If you have dental insurance coverage, the cost of repairs may be included. Be sure to check before you have any repair work done.
Can dentures be repaired at home or should I go to a professional?
Sometimes small repairs to dentures can be performed at home. These would be such things as small chips or cracks. Kits for these kinds of repairs can be found at your local drugstore. However, there are risks involved in home repairs of dentures. If the repair is not performed properly, it can lead to further damage or discomfort. Because dentures are made from specialized materials, there are specific techniques and tools required to properly repair damage. This is why it is best to have any repairs taken care of by either your dental professional or a dental lab technician.
How long does it take to repair dentures at home?
The time required to complete a home repair of dentures depends on the extent of the damage and the type of denture repair kit you are using. Typically, home repair kits for dentures contain materials that cure and harden quickly. Minor repairs, such as a small chip or crack, can be remedied in an hour or less. That is provided you carefully follow the directions included with the denture repair kit. Repairs of more extensive damage will take longer and, in most cases, the best solution is to take your damaged dentures to a dental office or lab for proper repair.
What should be considered before attempting to repair dentures at home?
Before you try to repair dentures at home, you should consider these factors:
– The Extent Of The Damage: There are minor repairs that you can do at home such as repairing a small chip or crack. However, for more serious issues like a broken denture base or a missing tooth, you may be better off consulting with a dental professional to decide how to best repair the damage.
– Your Level of Experience: Although there are a few simple repairs you can do yourself, it depends on your experience. If you are not comfortable working with your hands or have difficulty following detailed instructions, you may want to just leave the repair work to a dental professional.
– The Type of Denture: Different types of dentures require different repair techniques and materials. An example is that a flexible denture would need to be repaired differently than a traditional acrylic denture.
– The Cost: Although repairing a damaged denture at home will be less expensive than going to a dental professional for the repair, there is still the cost of the repair kit and material. Plus, if your repair causes more damage to the denture, this may cost you more to get properly fixed.
– The Warranty: If your dentures have a warranty period, by repairing them yourself, you could render that warranty null and void. Be sure to look into what can and cannot be done to your dentures while they are under warranty.
While it may not impossible to repair your dentures at home, there are many things to consider before taking on such a project. You may find that you are further ahead by just taking your dentures to a dentist or dental lab technician to get the repair work done correctly.
Are there any risks associated with repairing dentures at home?
There are a few risks associated with repairing dentures at home. They include:
– Further Damage To The Denture: If you do not have experience in repairing dentures, you risk causing more damage. This may lead to more extensive repairs or replacement of the dentures which will cost more than having a dental professional take on the original repair.
– Improper Fit: A bad at-home repair can impact how your dentures fit. This may lead to discomfort or difficulty eating, speaking, or performing other regular functions.
– Allergic Reactions: It is important to be familiar with the ingredients contained in denture repair kit materials. Some people may be allergic to some of the products. If you believe this may be the case, test a small area of the denture by applying the repair material to see if there is a reaction.
– Oral Health Risks: A poorly executed denture repair can lead to mouth issues. They can range from gum or skin irritation to infections. A proper repair will prevent these problems from developing.
– Worsening The Existing Condition: If you currently suffer from oral health conditions, trying to fix your denture at home may worsen your condition.
It is safe to say that repairing your dentures at home will offer you a cost reduction. However, there are other potential problems to consider that may make a do-it-yourself repair less cost-effective than having a dental professional perform the repair work.
What should I do if my denture is beyond repair?
There are a few options available to you when your dentures are beyond repair. They include:
– Replace The Denture: If your denture has extensive damage, it may be best to just have it completely replaced. You will have to have a dental professional take impressions of your mouth as you did for your original dentures. This will ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
– Consider Implant-Supported Dentures: A more secure, long-term solution is available with implant-supported dentures. Dental implants are anchored into your jawbone and the dentures are secured to them. This method provides a more stable and comfortable fit compared to traditional dentures.
Is A Denture Repair Kit The Best Option For You?
Breaking or damaging a denture is no longer as serious a problem as it once was now that kits are available to temporarily repair a broken denture.
The key here is to remember that, although each of the products featured here is excellent and provides quality results, any broken denture repair should be just temporary until a dentist can be consulted and proper repairs can be scheduled. However, until that can be done, any of these false teeth repair kits can help to keep you smiling!
Have you ever tried to repair a broken denture? Which method did you use? How well did it work? How much time did it take? How much did it cost? Love to know your experiences with this. Please share below…
I like that you explain how the kits should only be used as a temporary fix until you can get denture repairs from a professional. Getting these done quickly could help you prevent the issue from getting worse as well as avoid it from causing other problems. When choosing a professional, it would probably be a good idea to find a clinic that specializes in denture repairs by getting recommendations from people you know, such as your dentist or friends, and by looking online to learn about the various options in your area to determine which is best for the problem you have.