It is not uncommon for dentures to get damaged, and it can be a huge hassle to wear a cracked or broken denture. It is also possible that your dentist may not be able to see you right away to get your necessary repairs completed, which can lead to even more stress and frustration.
The best way to repair your denture is to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as the damage occurs. Your dentist is the best person to fix your denture. However, you may be able to perform a short term fix at home if you have minor cracks, chips, or have loose teeth in the denture before seeing your dentist. Be aware that a common reason for damage is an incorrect bite due to an ill-fitting denture, and this may require a professional reline that cannot be completed at home.
No matter what your situation is, if you do find yourself in need of an immediate denture repair, we have outlined some quick and easy solutions to hold you over until you can visit your dental professional for a more permanent fix.
Denture Repair Kits: A DIY Approach
It can be extremely uncomfortable to have a broken denture and it can make eating or speaking normally more difficult. If you are unable to schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist, you can temporarily repair your dentures at home with a DIY denture repair kit. *Please note that some of these kits may cause irreversible damage to your denture which may require you to get a new denture.
You can find these kits* online or at your local over-the-counter health store like Walgreens or CVS. If you decide to use any of these kits, we recommend getting a kit with strong, water-proof adhesive to ensure a successful repair that will last until you are able to visit your dentist. Do NOT attempt to repair your dentures with regular crafting glue or super glue as they can cause many more health problems and damage your dentures further.
*Please note that these are only to be used in an emergency and they will not provide a lasting repair to your dentures. Schedule an appointment with your dentist right away to professionally complete the repair and avoid further damage to the dentures or your mouth.
How to Use An At-Home Denture Repair Kit
It is very important that you carefully follow the directions for your denture repair kit. If your denture has split into pieces, or chipped off, you will need to have the pieces in order to put the denture back together successfully. Do not put any foreign pieces of material into your dentures to make them whole again.
First, you’ll want to make sure that your dentures are cleaned off and totally dry.
Next, you’ll get your adhesive ready. Some denture repair kits require you to mix the adhesive before applying it to the denture, so just make sure you follow the exact directions to ensure the best results.
Then you’ll use a spreader or spatula (enclosed in the kit) to spread the adhesive onto the damaged edge of your denture. Try not to put too much adhesive on the piece to avoid any shifting around when you try to secure them together.
Press the two pieces together and hold tightly for 5 minutes. Be careful not to press too hard, but make sure that the edges line up and do not move around for the full 5 minutes.
Once the dentures are secure, put them in luke-warm water to soak for about 8-10 minutes. This will help remove any extra adhesive on the teeth.
When they are done soaking, dry them off and clean any excess materials off your denture.
Each repair kit is different, but you should be able to eat normally again within 60 minutes.
Professional Denture Repair Services
The preferred method of treatment for broken dentures is to seek out a dental professional right away. They are the most qualified to fix your dentures and they will also be able to evaluate both your mouth and the dentures and diagnose the cause of the damage and provide a solution.
If you have loose or broken teeth, the dentist will examine your bite to see if you may need a reline, in addition to new teeth. If you do need a reline, they will add more acrylic material to the gums of the denture to ensure a better and more aligned fit.
Dentists can also permanently fix and seal cracks and chips with new acrylic, as well as replace teeth if one goes missing completely. If your denture breaks in half, you may need to get an entirely new one, so it is important to make sure that any repairs that need to happen are addressed quickly. If your denture breaks in half, use a back-up denture until you can get into the dentist.
If you have a cast metal partial, the repair may have to be done by a specialized lab or a new partial recommended. This repair may be more expensive due to the material costs of the metal.
At Affordable Dentures & Implants, we perform denture repairs and relines at our in-house laboratories and we offer same-day service in most cases. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures that your repairs will be accurate, so that you can get back to smiling and eating normally again.
Choosing the Right Approach
You may be able to temporarily repair your denture using a DIY repair kit if you have any of the following:
- Cracks in the teeth or gums
- Chips
- Broken teeth
- Missing teeth
If your denture is broken in half, made with metal, or otherwise severely damaged, do not try to fix it with a DIY kit and use a back-up denture until you can see a dental professional.
You Deserve to Love Your Smile!
No matter what type of denture repair you need, call Affordable Dentures & Implants today for the best service, at the most affordable price. Don’t forget to ask your local office if same-day service may be available to you!