When a denture breaks or feels loose, professional intervention is necessary to restore function quickly and safely. Attempting to fix the appliance at home often causes more harm than good. Understanding the different professionals available and the nature of the repair process can help you navigate this unexpected situation. The majority of denture repairs are common procedures, but knowing the appropriate steps to take ensures the longevity of the appliance and the health of your mouth.
Finding the Right Professional
The first step is determining which type of oral healthcare professional is best suited for your needs.
A general dentist is often the initial point of contact, trained to handle routine denture maintenance, adjustments, and many minor repairs. They can assess the damage and, if necessary, coordinate the repair with an external dental laboratory.
A prosthodontist is a specialist who has completed three additional years of training focused on the restoration and replacement of teeth. They are especially helpful for repairs involving significant structural damage or chronic fit issues that may require a comprehensive treatment plan. For patients with complex oral anatomy or those considering implant-supported options, a prosthodontist offers specialized knowledge.
In many jurisdictions, a denturist is a licensed professional specializing exclusively in the design, construction, repair, and fitting of removable dentures. They often perform both the clinical and laboratory work themselves, which can streamline the repair process. Confirm that they offer denture repair services, as not all general practices maintain the necessary relationships for immediate service.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
If your denture breaks, you must immediately stop wearing the damaged appliance to prevent injury to your gums or jaw structure. Damaged edges can easily create painful pressure points, leading to oral sores or chronic inflammation. Collect all the broken pieces, including any detached teeth or clasps, as the professional may need these fragments for the repair.
Store the broken denture parts in a sealed container filled with water or a specific denture cleaning solution to keep the acrylic moist. Denture acrylic can warp and shrink if allowed to dry out, making an accurate repair difficult or impossible. Avoid exposing the appliance to hot water or direct sunlight, as excessive heat is a primary cause of material distortion.
You should never attempt a do-it-yourself repair using household adhesives like super glue. These glues contain toxic chemicals that are not safe for oral use, and their residue contaminates the acrylic material. This contamination prevents the dental professional’s specialized bonding agents from adhering properly, which often necessitates grinding away a larger section of the denture base and can even render the appliance irreparable. While waiting for your appointment, switch to a temporary soft diet consisting of foods like yogurt, mashed vegetables, and slow-cooked meats to maintain proper nutrition without stressing the mouth.
The Professional Repair Procedure
Once the professional assesses the damage, they will determine the most appropriate repair. A simple fracture repair, such as a midline crack or reattaching a single tooth, can often be handled in an on-site laboratory for same-day service. This process involves aligning the fractured pieces precisely and bonding them with specialized acrylic resin.
For fit issues, two procedures are common: relining and rebasing.
Relining
A reline involves adding new acrylic material to the inner surface of the denture base to accommodate changes in the underlying gum and bone tissue. This is a common adjustment because the jawbone naturally resorbs over time after tooth loss, causing the denture to loosen.
Rebasing
A rebase is a more extensive repair that replaces the entire pink acrylic base while retaining the existing prosthetic teeth. This is typically required when the base is extensively cracked or severely weakened.
The timeline for a repair depends on the complexity and whether the clinic has an in-house lab. Simple fracture repairs and relines are often completed in a few hours. More complex repairs or those requiring specialized equipment necessitate sending the denture to an external lab, which can extend the turnaround time to a few days or up to a week.
When Replacement is Necessary
While most minor fractures and fit issues can be corrected, there are limits to the repair process. Repeated repairs to the same area indicate a fundamental structural or fit problem and compromise the denture’s overall strength. Every repair introduces a new junction between old and new acrylic, creating a point of weakness susceptible to future fracture.
Replacement is often recommended when the denture teeth are significantly worn down, which can change the bite alignment and lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort. Another sign is when the denture base has warped due to improper care, such as soaking in hot water, and a reline or rebase cannot fully restore the appliance’s precise fit. This material distortion can cause chronic irritation, leading to persistent sore spots on the gums.
The most significant factor is the long-term biological change in the mouth, specifically bone resorption. As the jawbone shrinks, the denture fit deteriorates. While relining can compensate for a time, eventual replacement is needed to ensure optimal function and aesthetics. Repeatedly wearing an ill-fitting denture can accelerate bone loss and cause chronic soft tissue trauma, which carries long-term health risks.