A broken denture can be a frustrating problem, especially when it happens right before work, a special event, or a meal.
When you search online for repair options, you may find suggestions involving super glue, household adhesives, or DIY repair kits.
But is repairing your dentures at home a good idea?
In most cases, it is better not to attempt a permanent repair yourself.
Why You Shouldn't Use Super Glue on Dentures
Super glue may seem like an easy solution, but household adhesives are not designed for use inside your mouth.
They usually contain chemicals that should not come into contact with oral tissues, and more importantly, gluing a denture incorrectly can change its shape or position.
Even a small change can affect how the denture contacts your gums and opposing teeth, which can lead to mouth sores or joint pain in your jaw.
Not to mention, a DIY repaired denture can also be more difficult for a dental professional to repair properly.
What If a Tooth Falls Out of Your Denture?
A missing denture tooth does not necessarily mean the entire denture needs to be replaced, which is good news if that is what brought you here. It’s often times the simplest repair we can make.
Depending on the condition of the denture, the tooth may be able to be professionally repaired or replaced.
But the important thing is to have the denture evaluated before deciding what needs to be done.
What If Your Denture Is Cracked?
Do not continue wearing a severely cracked denture if it is causing pain, rubbing your gums, or feels unstable.
A crack can become worse with continued use, and can reduce the potential for us to be able to repair it.
Trying to bend the denture back into place can also change its fit, so don’t do that! As we already mentioned, when the fit of your denture changes, it can lead to pain and discomfort for you mouth, jaw and gums.
What Should You Do Until You Can Get It Repaired?
Keep the broken pieces and bring them with you to your appointment.
Do not throw away a piece simply because it appears insignificant. It may help your dentist to determine what happened and whether the denture can be repaired.
Avoid using household glue or attempting to reshape the denture.
If wearing the denture causes pain or irritation, it may be best to leave it out until it can be evaluated. We understand how difficult it can be to go without your denture, but wearing a denture that needs to be repaired can often cause more harm than good.
Can Every Broken Denture Be Repaired?
Unfortunately, no.
Dentures generally are not made to last forever, though we have had more patients than we can count come to us with dentures that they have had for decades. Yes, you heard that right. However, these dentures are typically very worn down, loose and ready to be replaced. So while dentures can last a very long time, sometimes dentures break, and they can’t always be repaired.
Whether a denture can be repaired depends on the location and severity of the damage, the condition of the material, the age of the denture, and how well it fits your mouth.
Sometimes a repair makes sense. Other times, replacement provides a better long-term result.
The Bottom Line
A broken denture can be inconvenient, but a DIY repair can turn a relatively simple problem into a more complicated one.
Skip the super glue and household adhesives. Keep the broken pieces and have the denture professionally evaluated.
The goal is not simply to put the denture back together. It is to make sure it fits properly, functions correctly, and is comfortable to wear.
If you have a broken denture and are in need of emergency denture repair, or denture adjustment, feel free to give us a call. We will do our best to get you in as soon as possible and get you functioning again—even if we didn’t make your original denture that is in need of repair.