Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Constructed from acrylic resin and sometimes metal, they restore function and appearance. Like any prosthetic device, dentures are subject to daily wear and tear, and accidental damage is common. Fortunately, damage or discomfort does not necessarily mean the appliance needs complete replacement, as professional solutions are available.
The Primary Professional Repair Options
When a denture requires attention, patients typically turn to one of three types of dental professionals. General dentists are often the first point of contact and can manage many minor repairs and adjustments directly. They possess the necessary training to assess damage and ensure the appliance remains functional and safe for the patient’s oral tissues.
Prosthodontists are specialists focusing on the design and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth. Due to their advanced training, they handle complex repairs, intricate structural modifications, and full appliance reconstruction. Their expertise ensures that even significant damage is addressed with a high level of precision.
In many regions, a Denturist is also a qualified option, specializing exclusively in the construction, fitting, and repair of removable dental appliances. While their scope varies by law, they often provide a direct service for both creation and maintenance. Regardless of the professional seen, the physical repair of the acrylic or metal is frequently carried out by a specialized dental laboratory, with the professional ensuring the final quality and fit.
Distinguishing Repair from Adjustment
The work performed on a denture falls into two distinct categories: structural repair and fit adjustment. Repair addresses physical damage to the appliance itself, such as a fractured acrylic base or a tooth that has chipped or broken off. This process involves using specialized dental resins and techniques to mend the appliance and restore its original integrity and shape.
Adjustment is necessary when the fit is compromised. This occurs because the alveolar ridge—the bone structure beneath the gums—naturally changes and shrinks over time after tooth loss. Since the appliance is rigid, this change in the underlying tissue causes the denture to no longer conform precisely to the mouth’s contours.
A common form of adjustment is a reline, where a new layer of acrylic material is added to the fitting surface to refit it to the current shape of the patient’s gum tissues. A more extensive process called a rebase replaces the entire base material, save for the teeth, to correct significant fit issues or material degradation. These adjustments are necessary maintenance to ensure long-term oral health and proper function.
The Risks of Do-It-Yourself Repairs
Do-it-yourself kits and household adhesives carry significant risks and should be avoided for broken dentures. Using common products like superglue introduces chemicals that can be toxic or cause severe irritation and chemical burns to the sensitive oral mucosa. These materials are not designed for continuous contact with the moist environment of the mouth.
Improper repair can irreparably damage the appliance by distorting the acrylic or contaminating it. The resulting patch is often uneven or porous, creating surface imperfections that become breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. This unhygienic surface is a direct threat to the health of the remaining oral tissues, potentially leading to persistent oral infections like stomatitis.
An improperly fitted, self-repaired denture accelerates the natural process of jawbone deterioration. A professional repair maintains precise occlusal forces, but a poorly aligned DIY repair concentrates force unevenly on specific areas of the gum and bone. This misaligned pressure stimulates faster bone resorption.
When Repair is Not Possible
Professionals must sometimes determine that a denture is beyond repair and requires complete replacement. This decision is often made when the appliance shows signs of severe distortion or warping, which can occur from exposure to excessive heat or from failed attempts at self-repair. Warping compromises the precise fit of the base and makes a stable appliance impossible.
A denture may also be deemed irreparable if it has multiple fractures or if the base material is significantly thinned due to age, typically after five to seven years of use. At this point, the material itself may have degraded, making it unable to withstand the forces of chewing even after a patch is applied. Replacement ensures the patient receives a new appliance with the proper fit, function, and material strength necessary for ongoing oral health.