A broken denture immediately raises the question of a quick fix. Dentures are precision-made oral prosthetics, typically constructed from acrylic resin, designed to restore function and appearance after natural teeth are lost. Since breakage is common, many people instinctively look for a way to repair the appliance at home. Understanding the difference between a quick glue job and a professional repair is paramount for both oral health and the longevity of the prosthetic.
The Immediate Danger of Home Adhesives
The most serious risk of attempting a home repair involves the toxicity of common household glues. Adhesives like superglue, which contain cyanoacrylate, are not formulated for use in the moist, warm environment of the mouth and are not food-grade materials. These chemicals can cause irritation, burns, and inflammation to the delicate tissues of the gums and cheeks. The constant presence of saliva can also cause the glue to break down, leading to the ingestion of potentially harmful substances.
Structural damage caused by household glues often makes a later professional repair impossible. These adhesives do not bond correctly with the denture’s acrylic material and frequently react with the plastic, causing it to weaken or distort. A slightly misaligned repair can stress the remaining structure, leading to further breaks or creating sharp edges. A do-it-yourself fix often leaves a residue that obstructs the fracture line, making it difficult for a dental professional to properly bond the pieces later.
Understanding Professional Repair Materials
Professional dental repair relies on specialized materials designed specifically for the oral environment. Dentists and dental laboratories use biocompatible acrylic resins, the same material used to fabricate the original denture. Unlike household glue, these materials create a molecular bond with the existing plastic, restoring the appliance’s original strength and preventing tissue irritation.
The repair process involves specific techniques that cannot be replicated outside of a lab setting. Dental professionals use heat, pressure, or specialized light-curing units to ensure the new acrylic fully integrates and cures correctly. This controlled process maintains the precise contours of the denture, which is essential for its fit and function. The goal is to restore the structural integrity of the entire prosthetic, not merely to stick the pieces together.
When Professional Repair is Necessary
Immediate professional intervention is mandatory whenever a denture breaks, as structural integrity is compromised. Even a simple fracture in the acrylic base or plate requires a laboratory-grade repair to prevent a poor fit. An altered fit, even a minor one caused by misalignment, can lead to chronic sore spots, discomfort, and accelerated bone loss in the jaw over time.
If the denture base is significantly worn, cracked, or no longer fits well, a dentist may recommend more extensive procedures than a simple bond. These procedures address changes in the mouth that affect the appliance’s stability.
Reline
A reline involves adding a new layer of acrylic resin to the fitting surface of the denture. This adapts the appliance to the changing shape of the gums.
Rebase
A rebase is a comprehensive procedure where the entire pink acrylic base is replaced while preserving the original teeth. This is often required for substantial damage or wear.