The urge to use super glue on a broken denture is understandable, driven by the immediate need to restore function and appearance. However, the answer to whether you should use super glue on your dentures is a definitive no. Household adhesives like cyanoacrylate are not designed for use in the oral cavity and introduce significant risks to both your health and the integrity of your dental appliance. Attempting a quick fix will ultimately complicate the situation, leading to higher costs and potential harm.
Health Risks of Household Adhesives
The primary concern with using common super glues is the introduction of toxic chemicals into the mouth. Commercial cyanoacrylate adhesives contain substances like formaldehyde and acetic acid, which are not food-grade or biocompatible materials. When exposed to the moist environment of the mouth, these chemicals can irritate or even chemically burn the delicate soft tissues, including the gums, cheeks, and tongue.
Another specific danger is the exothermic reaction that occurs as cyanoacrylate sets. This polymerization process generates heat, which can cause thermal injury to the sensitive oral mucosa where the denture rests. Even after the glue appears dry, studies show that polymerized cyanoacrylate can continue to release cytotoxic substances for up to two weeks. The vapors from the glue can irritate the respiratory system, and the non-medical grade material increases the risk of allergic reactions or inflammation in the mouth.
How Super Glue Destroys Denture Integrity
Super glue provides a poor and temporary bond on denture materials, which are typically composed of acrylic resins or porcelain. These household adhesives are not formulated to fuse with the smooth, non-porous surface of the denture plastic. The constant presence of saliva rapidly degrades the adhesive properties of the glue, causing the bond to fail quickly under the pressure of speaking or chewing.
A more damaging consequence is that the misaligned repair contaminates the denture surface. Attempting to align the broken pieces yourself makes it nearly impossible to match the original fit. This misalignment creates stress points that inevitably lead to a new, more severe fracture, often weakening the surrounding plastic. The residue from the super glue makes the denture surface rough, which traps bacteria and makes the appliance significantly harder, or even impossible, for a professional to repair.
Safe Steps for Immediate Relief
The first and most important action is to stop using the broken denture immediately and remove all pieces from your mouth to prevent further irritation or accidental swallowing. Gather all the broken pieces and store them safely in a sealed plastic bag or a container filled with water or a denture cleansing solution. This prevents the pieces from warping or drying out, which is crucial for a successful professional repair.
If a sharp edge remains, use a small amount of orthodontic wax to cover the area causing discomfort. This provides a temporary, non-toxic cushion until you can see your dental professional. Over-the-counter denture adhesive should only be used to secure a minor crack or a loose fit, and never to join two separated pieces. When applying adhesive, ensure the denture is clean and dry, use a minimal amount in small dots or thin strips, and avoid placing it too close to the edges to prevent seepage.
Seeking Professional Denture Restoration
The solution for a broken denture is to seek prompt repair from a dental professional, such as a dentist or a denturist. They utilize specialized, biocompatible materials designed specifically for oral appliances, such as cold-cure or heat-cure acrylic resins. These resins chemically fuse with the existing denture material to create a strong, clean bond that restores the appliance’s original strength and fit.
The professional repair process often involves creating a stone cast of the denture to ensure perfect realignment before applying the new resin. Simple repairs, like a clean fracture or a loose tooth, can frequently be completed on the same day or within 24 hours. While the cost for a professional repair typically starts between $150 and $250, this is significantly less than the cost of a complete denture replacement, which is often required if a DIY repair fails or contaminates the appliance. A professional repair ensures the fit is correct and helps maintain your overall oral health.