A broken denture can be a stressful and urgent problem, leading many people to consider using household adhesives like super glue for a fast fix. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices, typically made from acrylic resin or nylon, designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Accidents, material fatigue, or dropping them can cause them to crack or fracture. The question of whether to use super glue—a cyanoacrylate adhesive—is a definitive no from a health and functional standpoint.
The Immediate Risks of Super Glue
The primary ingredient in super glue is cyanoacrylate, which is not biocompatible or safe for use in the mouth. When exposed to the heat and moisture of the oral environment, household super glues can degrade, potentially releasing toxic chemical byproducts like formaldehyde or acetic acid. These substances are harmful if ingested and can cause severe irritation to the sensitive mucosal tissues.
The chemical reaction that causes super glue to harden, called polymerization, generates heat. Applying it to a fractured denture and placing it back into the mouth risks chemical burns or inflammation to the gum tissue, lips, and tongue. Furthermore, an improper repair can seal bacteria into the fracture line, creating a breeding ground for microorganisms that lead to infections or foul odors.
Why Household Adhesives Fail Denture Materials
Household super glues are structurally inadequate for the demanding conditions inside the mouth. Dentures must withstand constant exposure to saliva, significant temperature fluctuations, and the intense, repetitive force of chewing. Standard cyanoacrylate adhesives are water-soluble, meaning that saliva will rapidly degrade the bond, rendering the fix ineffective.
The acrylic resin or nylon requires a bond that can flex and move without breaking, possessing high flexural strength. Super glue creates a rigid, brittle bond that cannot handle the constant stress and strain of mastication, causing the denture to fracture again. Attempting to glue the pieces together often results in slight misalignment, which permanently distorts the custom fit. This misalignment makes the subsequent professional repair far more difficult or even impossible, potentially requiring a complete replacement.
Safe, Temporary Solutions for Broken Dentures
If a denture breaks and you cannot immediately see a dental professional, the only safe recourse is to use an approved, over-the-counter denture repair kit. These specialized kits are widely available at pharmacies and contain materials that are specifically formulated to be non-toxic and orally safe. The adhesive components in these kits are typically self-curing acrylic resins, which are chemically similar to the material of the denture itself, ensuring better compatibility.
A repair made with a kit is intended only as a temporary measure to restore function for a day or two until a dentist can be consulted. Before applying any temporary fix, thoroughly clean the broken pieces to remove all debris, then align them perfectly before applying the repair material.
Professional Repair and Long-Term Care
The definitive solution for a broken denture is professional repair by a dentist or a specialized dental laboratory. When a denture is sent for repair, technicians use high-strength, biocompatible resins that are heat-cured, resulting in a much stronger and more durable bond than any at-home kit can provide. This professional process ensures the pieces are aligned with microscopic accuracy using specialized molds, preserving the denture’s original, custom fit.
Depending on the severity of the damage, a minor crack can often be fixed within a few hours at a dental office, while more complex breaks may need to be sent to a lab, taking a few days. Regular dental check-ups are important for long-term maintenance, as a professional can spot minor stress fractures before a complete break occurs. Proper handling, such as cleaning the denture over a soft towel or a sink filled with water to cushion a potential drop, is a simple and effective preventative measure.