A broken or uncomfortable denture affects your confidence and your daily life. Understanding whether a repair or replacement is the better option helps you make the right decision quickly.
When dentures crack, lose a tooth, or simply stop fitting properly, the first question is always the same: should I repair them or get new ones? The answer depends on the type and extent of damage, how old your dentures are, and how well they currently fit.
This guide compares denture repair and replacement side by side — covering treatment time, costs, longevity, and comfort — so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Treatment suitability always depends on individual clinical assessment. The information below is for general guidance only.
Procedure type
Repair
Restoring existing dentures to working condition
New Dentures
Fabricating a completely new set of dentures
Treatment time
Repair
Often same day or within 24–48 hours
New Dentures
Typically 2–4 weeks (impressions, try-in, fitting)
Longevity
Repair
Extends life by months to a few years, depending on condition
New Dentures
Well-made dentures can last 5–10 years with proper care
Comfort & fit
Repair
Restores original fit; may not improve pre-existing issues
New Dentures
Custom-made to your current mouth shape for optimal fit
Aesthetics
Repair
Maintains existing appearance; visible joins possible on older sets
New Dentures
Fresh, natural-looking teeth and gum shade matched to you
Indicative cost (UK)
Repair
From approximately £75–£250*
New Dentures
From approximately £495–£1,500+ per arch*
Suitability
Repair
Minor cracks, chips, broken clasps, loose teeth, relining
New Dentures
Worn-out, ill-fitting, or irreparably damaged dentures
Turnaround time
Repair
Same-day service available at many London clinics
New Dentures
Multiple appointments over several weeks
*Indicative prices. Final costs depend on clinical findings. See our full treatment fees.
Denture repair restores a damaged denture to functional condition without replacing the entire set. It is a cost-effective, fast solution for common problems — and in many cases, repairs can be completed on the same day.
Patients with relatively new or well-fitting dentures that have suffered minor damage — a clean crack, a chipped tooth, or a broken clasp. If the overall structure and fit remain good, repair is usually the most practical choice.
New dentures are custom-fabricated prosthetics made from fresh impressions of your mouth. They are designed to fit your current jaw shape, replace missing teeth accurately, and restore a natural appearance.
Patients whose dentures are aged, heavily repaired, or no longer fitting comfortably despite adjustments. New dentures are also the right choice when damage is too extensive for a reliable repair.
A repair extends the life of your existing dentures, but it will not reset the clock. If the denture is already ageing, further issues are likely. New dentures, properly cared for, can last 5–10 years before needing replacement.
Repairs restore function but cannot compensate for bone and gum changes that have occurred since the denture was originally made. New dentures are built from up-to-date impressions, giving a closer, more comfortable fit from day one.
Repairs maintain the existing look of your dentures. If the teeth are stained, worn, or outdated in appearance, only a new set can provide a fresh, modern aesthetic with natural-looking teeth and gum shading.
Repair is the more affordable option in the short term. However, repeated repairs on deteriorating dentures can eventually exceed the cost of a single replacement. Your dentist can help you weigh short-term savings against long-term value.
Most repairs are completed within a day. New dentures require multiple appointments over 2–4 weeks — impressions, bite registration, try-in, and final fitting — but the result is a purpose-built prosthetic tailored to you.
Advantages
Considerations
Advantages
Considerations
Short-term vs long-term value: A single repair is always cheaper than a new set. But if you find yourself repairing the same denture repeatedly, the cumulative cost — plus the ongoing inconvenience — may exceed the price of well-made new dentures that serve you for years. View our full fee guide for a detailed breakdown.
*Prices are indicative and may vary following clinical assessment. Costs at other practices may differ.
Every situation is different. Use the guidance below as a starting point — your dentist will confirm the most appropriate option after examination.
If your denture has a clean crack, a chipped tooth, or a broken clasp and the overall fit is still comfortable, same-day repair is the fastest and most practical solution.
If your dentures are ageing, ill-fitting, or have been repaired multiple times, investing in a new custom-made set gives you years of improved comfort, function, and appearance.
A single repair is the most affordable option. If cost is a concern, discuss with your dentist whether a repair can safely extend the life of your current dentures while you plan for replacement.
If your dentures feel loose, cause sore spots, or look worn and discoloured, new dentures made from modern materials will provide a noticeably better fit and a more natural appearance.
Our team can assess your dentures, explain whether repair or replacement is the better option, and begin treatment — often on the same day for repairs. No referral needed.
Visit us in South Kensington (open 7 days) or at our City of London clinic — no registration required.