If your dentures are cracked or broken, there are some repairs you can do yourself. For serious repairs, however, you may need to seek professional help. Here's a look at some common issues and what you can do to address them.
1. Missing Tooth
Dentures consist of several false teeth attached together with a base, and if one of the teeth has come detached, you should see a denture repair professional to have it fixed permanently. In the meantime, however, you may want to try gluing the tooth in place.
Use a powerful super glue, and make sure that it is waterproof—your mouth is a moist place. Clean and thoroughly dry the dentures before you start. If there is debris or grime on the dentures, the adhesive won't bond firmly. Then, spread the glue on the top edge of the tooth, and position it onto the denture. Make sure that the tooth is lined up correctly, and then push it into place. Hold briefly onto a bond is formed. Then, let the adhesive cure or dry thoroughly before using the dentures again.
Remember, gluing a tooth back into your dentures is only a stopgap remedy. Cleaning and wearing the dentures may compromise the glue's bond, and if the tooth comes detached whilst you're wearing the dentures, it's a choking hazard. You can use this solution temporarily, but you need to make an appointment with a professional.
2. Cracked Acrylic
Generally, the bridge of the denture is made of acrylic. If the acrylic gets cracked because you dropped the dentures, applied too much pressure to them or for any other reason, you may be able to fix the crack with a denture repair kit. These are available online or through some chemists.
Alternatively, you can repair it using acrylic gel for nails. Again, this is available online or through beauty supply shops. Look for a colour that matches the shade of your dentures—luckily, there are lots of different shades of pink nail polish so that makes it easy. Usually, these kits come with a powder and a liquid solution that you mix together before application.
Start with clean and dry dentures, then mix the acrylic gel based on the manufacturer's instructions. Paint the acrylic over the crack. Give it time to soak into the crack, and add extra coats as needed. Let the acrylic dry. If it is slightly raised, you can sand it down. Use a fine-grit sandpaper—wrap it around your finger and gently agitate it over the acrylic. Depending on the position of the crack, you can also try using a nail file (which you can easily pick up whilst you're buying the acrylic gel).
3. Broken in Half
If your dentures are broken in half, you shouldn't attempt to fix them yourself. Similarly, if your dentures have any other damage that seriously disrupts their structural integrity or core shape, you should also take them in for a professional repair.
It is not advisable to glue together dentures that have snapped in half. Without professional training, it is impossible to get the two sides completely level. Remember, your dentures are specifically designed for the unique shape of your mouth. If they are fixed inexpertly, that can lead to discomfort. If the home repair results in poorly fitting dentures, that can also cause the dentures to rub against your gums, creating even more irritation. Partial dentures may rub against remaining teeth, and that can damage the enamel.
If your dentures have broken, try one of the temporary repairs listed above, but also make sure to make an appointment with a denture repair specialist.
