Denture prosthetic devices are designed to replace missing teeth, typically made from durable acrylic resin or a combination of acrylic and metal. Although built for daily function, dentures are not indestructible, and it is common for a tooth to break off or the base to crack. When this happens, many people immediately consider using a readily available household adhesive for a fast, at-home repair.
Why Household Glues Should Never Be Used
The simple and definitive answer to using common household adhesives to fix a denture is no, as these products are not safe for oral use. Adhesives like superglue, epoxy, or model glue contain toxic chemicals never intended for the mouth’s warm, moist environment. These glues release substances like formaldehyde and acetic acid as they degrade, posing risks of chemical leaching, tissue irritation, and potential ingestion. Furthermore, household glues are caustic to the acrylic resin material, causing irreparable damage. The solvents can melt the edges of the denture, leading to discoloration, brittleness, or distortion of the entire appliance.
This chemical damage makes it difficult or impossible for a dental professional to perform a lasting repair, potentially forcing a complete denture replacement. Attempting a home repair with non-dental glue almost always results in an inaccurate reattachment, throwing off the precise fit of the denture. Even a microscopic layer of glue can alter the alignment, leading to friction, sore spots, and painful gum irritation. A compromised fit also causes uneven pressure when biting, which accelerates jaw bone loss and can lead to further breakage of the prosthetic.
Approved Temporary Fixes and Repair Kits
For individuals needing a short-term solution while waiting for a professional appointment, specialized over-the-counter denture repair kits offer a safer, temporary alternative. These kits are distinct from household glues because they often contain components like methyl methacrylate, a resin material similar to the one used to manufacture the denture itself. The bonding agents are formulated to be less toxic and are labeled for temporary, emergency use only, typically for less than 30 days.
Temporary Adhesives
Specialized dental adhesives designed for daily denture stabilization are considered safe for oral contact. These adhesives, in cream or powder form, can help stabilize a loose denture or a partially broken piece, or manage a sharp edge. They should never be used to permanently bond a broken tooth. Note that the long-term, excessive use of some older adhesives containing zinc can lead to systemic health issues.
The directions on any repair kit must be followed precisely, as improper use can still compromise the appliance’s structural integrity. These kits are not meant to be permanent solutions and should not be used if the denture base is fractured or the fit has changed significantly. The primary goal of any at-home fix is to maintain function until a dentist can provide a proper, lasting repair.
When Professional Repair Is Necessary
A dental professional is always the most appropriate resource for denture repair, particularly when the damage is more complex than a simple chip. Scenarios like a fracture in the base plate, the loss of multiple teeth, or any change in the overall fit require immediate professional attention. If the fit is compromised, a dentist can perform a reline or rebase procedure, which involves adding new acrylic material to the base to ensure a snug, comfortable fit against the gum tissue.
The professional repair process utilizes specialized techniques and materials that ensure durability and proper oral function. The dentist or a dental laboratory typically uses high-quality, heat-cured or cold-cured acrylic resins to bond the pieces together. They also ensure proper occlusion, meaning the repaired denture aligns correctly with the opposing teeth to prevent uneven biting forces and subsequent damage.
Minor repairs, such as reattaching a single tooth, are often completed in a few hours or on a same-day basis at the dental office. More complex repairs or those requiring a full reline are generally sent to a dental lab, which may take a few days for precision work. Professional repair is a significantly safer alternative to attempting a hazardous home fix that could necessitate a full replacement.