What Materials Do I Use to Repair Broken Dentures?

No matter how careful you are with your teeth, you may need to repair your dentures. Everyday items that you find at a home store can help you repair your dentures when an untimely break occurs.

If you dropped or found your dentures unexpectedly split in half, you can make them whole again -- at least temporarily -- with epoxy. When prepared properly, epoxy can hold two porous surfaces of plastic together for emergencies and allow you to wear your dentures until you can get a professional to repair them. Epoxy requires a clean surface to adhere and a preparation area such as a paper plate to combine the two reactionary glues. Use a wooden stick to apply the epoxy.

Whenever epoxy is applied to dentures -- or any fast adhesive glue such as superglue -- have either an emery board or other fine-grade sandpaper product on hand to smooth out the rough edges that can be left by the glue. Epoxy swells and cause irritation if the dentures are inserted into the mouth without being smoothed first. You can avoid this in part by applying only enough epoxy to make the join work, but caution dictates sandpaper or a emery board be used to make sure all rough edges are dissipated so they don't come in contact with tender gums.

Although professional-grade porcelain teeth that are used to make dentures aren't widely available to the public, you can order a replacement tooth for your dentures in the form of an acrylic tooth. Although they don't feel or seem as real as regular teeth, they will do in a bind when you're looking to replace a tooth that has become dislodged or lost. You can order acrylic teeth online and use either superglue or epoxy to replace your loosened tooth. Because they're low-cost, effective and fast, it may serve you well to have a couple on hand in case of a tooth loss when you least expect it.

If you own dentures, buy a denture repair kit to help you in the event your dentures break or if you lose a tooth. Denture repair kits come with glue, acrylic teeth, sanding implements and utensils you need to replace or repair your dentures. These are available online and in some cases, in pharmacies. Keeping one on hand ensures that if your dentist's office is closed or if repairs are too costly, you'll have the tools on hand to fix the worst of the damage until you can get them into your dental office for repair.