A cracked denture, a snapped-off tooth or a denture that suddenly doesn’t fit can turn a normal day upside down. The good news is that most denture problems can be fixed. Here’s what to do in the first few hours, what to avoid, and the options our Temecula team will talk through with you.
The short answer: Take the denture out, keep every piece, and don’t glue it yourself. Call your dentist: many clean breaks and broken-off teeth can be repaired, a loose denture can often be relined, and an old or poorly fitting denture may need replacing. Frequent breaks are a sign it may be time to consider implant-supported dentures.
What to Do Right Away
- Take the denture out and stop wearing it, even if it still mostly fits. A broken edge can cut your gums or cheek.
- Gather every piece, including any teeth that came off, and keep them in a sealed bag or container.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water if your gums are sore.
- Call our office and describe what happened so we can set up the right appointment.
Why You Shouldn’t Glue It Yourself
It’s tempting to reach for super glue or a drugstore repair kit. Household glues aren’t safe to have in your mouth, and even a small layer of glue changes how the denture sits. A denture that’s off by a fraction of a millimeter rubs, causes sore spots and puts uneven pressure on your gums. Home repairs can also make a professional repair harder or impossible, which can mean paying for a new denture instead of a fix.
Common Denture Problems We See
- A crack through the base. Often caused by a drop onto a hard sink or floor, or by a denture that no longer fits well and flexes when you bite.
- A tooth that broke off. Usually repairable if you bring the tooth with you.
- A denture that feels loose. Your jawbone and gums change shape over time, so a denture that fit perfectly years ago may need to be relined or replaced.
- Sore spots. Usually a sign the fit has changed.
Repair, Reline or Replace?
At your visit, we’ll examine the denture and your mouth and explain which option makes sense:
- Repair when the break is clean and the denture otherwise fits well.
- Reline when the denture is intact but loose, so the inside is reshaped to match your gums.
- Replace when the denture is old, badly worn or no longer fits, since repeated repairs on a poor-fitting denture tend to keep failing.
You can learn more about your options on our dentures in Temecula page.
When It’s Time to Consider Implant Dentures
If your denture breaks often, keeps getting looser or makes eating a struggle, it may be time to look at implant-supported dentures. A few dental implants hold the denture firmly in place, so it doesn’t slip, flex or need adhesive. Implants also help slow the bone loss that makes regular dentures loosen over time. Patients who want fixed teeth that never come out can ask about All-on-4 full-arch implants.
How to Keep Your Denture From Breaking
- Clean it over a folded towel or a sink partly filled with water, so a slip doesn’t mean a crack.
- Soak it overnight as directed, and never in hot water, which can warp it.
- Keep it in its case when it’s out of your mouth, away from pets.
- Have the fit checked at your regular visits. A loose denture flexes and is more likely to crack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken denture be fixed?
Often, yes. Clean breaks and broken-off teeth are commonly repairable, especially if you bring all the pieces. If the denture is old or no longer fits well, replacing it may be the better choice.
Is it safe to use super glue on a denture?
No. Household glues aren't meant to be in your mouth, and even a thin layer changes the fit, which can cause sore spots and make a professional repair harder.
Why does my denture keep breaking?
Repeated breaks are often a sign the denture no longer fits your gums well, so it flexes when you bite. A reline, a new denture or implant-supported dentures can solve the underlying problem.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures usually need to be relined or replaced every several years because your gums and jawbone change shape over time. Your dentist can check the fit at your regular visits.
Plan your visit to Ethos
Call Ethos Advanced Dental Care at (951) 699-0700 or book online. We’re at 29740 Rancho California Road, Suite 100, Temecula, CA, with early morning, evening and Saturday appointments.
View hours and directionsThis guide is general educational information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment recommendation. Your dentist can explain the benefits, risks and alternatives for your situation.