How Do You Repair Dentures and How Much Should You Pay?

Can a Broken Denture be Repaired?

Depending on the extent of the damage, you can repair some broken dentures. Some restorations require more work and time, which is why dentists and dental labs perform them.

Dentists strongly advise against using DIY denture repair kits to fix your dentures at home. Doing this can cause more damage to your dentures and increase the repair cost.

If they break, denture repair may require additional acrylic or a tooth replacement. You may need a denture replacement when they get damaged beyond repair.

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Denture Repair

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What are the 4 Types of Denture Teeth Repairs?

Depending on how your dentures break, there are different types of repairs:

1. Denture Reline

A denture reline reworks or replaces the side of your denture that touches the soft tissues in your mouth. This helps the dentures fit more comfortably.

The types of denture reline include:

• Hard reline ($350 to $900) — Involves resurfacing acrylic lining for a better fit and can last several years, though regular dental check-ups may necessitate more frequent relines
• Soft reline ($200 to $500) — Uses pliable materials like wax or rubber gums for comfort but may require more frequent replacement due to stains and plaque
• Temporary reline — Uses a medicated conditioner for sore gums due to neglected denture care and a short-term solution before a permanent fix, like new dentures or a hard reline

This repair is often necessary due to natural dental tissue or bone changes, so you should reline your dentures once every few years.

2. Denture Rebase

A denture rebase remakes what’s left of the pink acrylic part of your denture that holds the teeth. This will require processing it in a dental lab.

Dentists recommend this repair if all the teeth in your denture are in good shape but the pink acrylic has deteriorated. However, it’s rare for them to recommend this for partial dentures.

3. Denture Adjustment 

A denture adjustment removes acrylic from the dentures so they fit more comfortably in your mouth. Otherwise, you may experience the following:

• Difficulty chewing
• Develop sore spots
• Feel your dentures slipping while you talk

A denture adjustment is a relatively quick procedure that dentists can perform in their clinics. They can choose not to return your dentures to a dental lab for reprocessing.

4. Denture Replacement

If your dentures break beyond repair or don’t work for you anymore, you may need to replace them. Replacing a denture is similar to getting your first set of dentures.

How Much Does a Denture Repair Service Cost?

A denture repair’s average cost is between $100 to $500. The total cost depends on a few factors, including:

• The extent of your denture’s damage 
• Your denture type
• Your dental clinic
• The dental lab

How Long Should Dentures Last?

The average lifespan of a set of dentures is between 7 and 10 years. They’re a long-term solution, but dentists recommend replacing them after their average lifespan.

While most dentures are removable, there are various kinds to choose from. Some better suit your lifestyle than others.

Your general dentist or prosthodontist can walk you through your denture options. They can also help you find a type that works well for you and lasts long.

How to Keep Your Dentures in Good Shape

The better care you take of your dentures, the longer they will last. Practicing proper dental care by regularly cleaning your dentures will keep them hygienic and functional for longer.

Here are some other tips for keeping your dentures in good shape:

• Place your dentures in water — This helps retain their shape and keeps them pliable
• Never place your dentures in boiling water — Hot water can warp dentures
• Use nonabrasive denture cleansers — Daily cleaning prevents plaque, biofilm, and bacteria buildup
• Use a vinegar and baking soda mixture — You can use this as an alternative to denture cleaners
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush — This prevents grooves and damage to your dentures
• Avoid using toothpaste to clean your dentures — Highly abrasive toothpaste can damage dentures over time

When Should You Replace Dentures Instead?

You may need to replace your dentures if entirely:

• They break beyond repair 
• Your mouth significantly changes
• They are already too old

Can You Fix Broken Dentures At Home?

Dentists strongly advise against repairing broken dentures at home with repair kits because they can cause more damage. However, you can find kits on Amazon or retail stores like Walgreens or CVS for a temporary solution in an emergency.

These kits usually come with a denture adhesive. You can use this to reattach a tooth.

A denture adhesive can also help fix some cracks in your dentures temporarily. Nonetheless, don’t use superglue or gorilla glue because they’re harmful to inhale and dangerous if ingested.

What is the Best At-Home Denture Repair Kit?

Here are some denture repair kits you can find on Amazon:

• Mastermedi Dental Care Kit
• D.O.C. Repair-It Advanced Formula Denture Repair Kit
• Instant Smile Complete Denture Repair Kit

Remember that these are only temporary solutions. You should see your dentist as soon as you can.

Summary

• You can repair broken dentures, and their average cost is between $100 and $500
• A dentist will recommend one of four types of denture repairs, depending on the damage
• Dentists don’t recommend at-home denture repair kits, but you can use them as a temporary solution during an emergency
• Don’t use gorilla glue or super glue to fix your dentures⁠, as they’re toxic 
• Visit your dentist as soon as possible for a denture repair