For those who rely on dentures, a breakage is a major emergency. It affects your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Dentures can break for many reasons: dropping them in the sink, wear and tear over years, or changes in the shape of your jawbone causing a poor fit.
<p>The good news is that most denture breaks can be repaired. The bad news is that trying to fix them yourself can ruin them forever.</p>
<h3>Types of Denture Damage</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Midline Fracture:</strong> The denture snaps cleanly in half down the middle. This is common in upper dentures that flex too much due to bone loss.</li>
<li><strong>Broken Tooth:</strong> A single artificial tooth chips or falls off the pink base.</li>
<li><strong>Broken Clasp:</strong> On partial dentures, the metal clip that holds it to your natural teeth snaps.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Repair vs. Replace</h3>
<p><strong>Repairable:</strong> Clean fractures where the pieces fit back together perfectly like a puzzle are usually repairable. We use cold-cure acrylic resin to chemically bond the pieces back together, often stronger than before. This can typically be done same-day or within 24 hours.</p>
<p><strong>Replacement Needed:</strong> If the denture has shattered into many small pieces, if the pink acrylic is old and brittle/discoloured, or if the breakage happened because the denture no longer fits your gums, a repair will just break again. In these cases, a new denture is the best investment.</p>
<h3>The "Superglue" Warning</h3>
<p>We cannot stress this enough: <strong>DO NOT GLUE YOUR DENTURE.</strong></p>
<p>Superglue dissolves the acrylic material of the denture, distorting the edges. Once you glue it, the pieces will never fit together perfectly again. This often makes a professional repair impossible, forcing you to buy a brand new set. Furthermore, superglue chemicals are toxic and taste terrible.</p>
<h3>What to Do</h3>
<p>If your denture breaks:</p>
<ol>
<li>Collect all the pieces.</li>
<li>Don't wear it (wearing a broken denture can cut your mouth).</li>
<li>Call us immediately.</li>
</ol>
<p>We work with skilled dental technicians in London who prioritize emergency repairs. We can often get your smile back to you within hours.</p>
<h2>Watch: Your Emergency Dental Appointment Explained</h2>
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Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dental symptoms and treatment options should always be assessed during a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional. No specific outcomes are guaranteed. If you have concerns about your oral health, please contact a registered dentist.