A denture is a removable prosthetic device designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Constructed from specialized acrylic resin, porcelain, or metal, these appliances restore a person’s ability to speak and chew properly. Despite their durability, accidental damage—such as dropping the appliance or biting down on something hard—can lead to a chipped denture tooth. Fortunately, chipping is not usually a catastrophic event, and a dental professional can effectively repair the damage, restoring the appliance’s look and function.
Yes, Denture Teeth Can Usually Be Repaired
If you discover a chip, contact your dental professional immediately. Avoid wearing the damaged denture, as this can cause further breakage or irritate the soft tissues of the mouth. Repairing a chipped tooth almost always involves sending the appliance to a specialized dental laboratory. A simple chip or single-tooth replacement is considered a minor repair and is less costly than fabricating an entirely new denture. Turnaround time for these fixes is often quick, sometimes allowing the patient to receive the denture back the same day or within 24 hours. If you find the detached piece, collect it, though re-bonding the original fragment is not always possible.
Understanding the Professional Repair Process
Professional repair restores the denture’s structural integrity and fit, which cannot be achieved using non-dental materials. Denture teeth are made from durable acrylic resin or high-strength porcelain, requiring specific bonding agents. When a tooth is chipped, the dental lab technician cleans and prepares the denture base surface to ensure a strong bond. If a replacement tooth is needed, the technician selects a new artificial tooth that precisely matches the shade, size, and mold of the existing teeth. The technician then uses a specialized, self-curing, biocompatible acrylic resin to securely bond the new or repaired tooth onto the pink base. This resin chemically fuses the replacement part to the appliance, ensuring the repair is strong enough to withstand chewing forces and maintain correct bite alignment.
When Damage Requires Denture Replacement
While single-tooth chips are repairable, extensive damage may exceed the limits of a successful fix. If the pink acrylic base is fractured or snapped in half, the denture’s foundation is compromised. Repairing such damage often proves temporary, as the appliance may lack the necessary long-term strength. Full replacement is often necessary if damage results from long-term improper fit, causing material fatigue and stress fractures across the base. Similarly, if multiple teeth are broken or missing, or if the denture is warped (e.g., by exposure to hot water), the appliance may be deemed irreparable. In these situations, a full replacement ensures proper function and prevents oral health issues caused by an ill-fitting device.
Why You Must Avoid DIY Denture Fixes
Attempting a quick fix at home using common household adhesives, such as super glue or epoxy, poses significant health and structural risks. These products are not designed to withstand the constant moisture, temperature changes, and chewing forces in the mouth. The bond will fail quickly because saliva breaks down the adhesive. Household glues also contain chemicals that are not safe for oral contact and can be toxic or cause irritation to the gum tissue. Furthermore, a botched home repair leaves behind a residue that prevents a professional from creating a proper chemical bond, making the subsequent repair more difficult and expensive. Attempting a home repair may also void any existing warranty, potentially requiring the patient to pay for a full replacement.