Most broken partial dentures can be repaired, often the same day. Cracks in the pink base and teeth that come loose are usually simple fixes. A broken metal clasp can often be fixed or replaced too, depending on the type of partial and where it broke. At Total Denture Repair in St. Louis, a cracked partial starts at $150, reattaching a tooth you bring in starts at $120, and clasp repairs get a free quote.
This guide explains what usually breaks on each kind of partial, what can be fixed, what it costs, and what to do in the first hour after it breaks.
What kind of partial denture do you have?
The type of partial matters, because each one is built differently and breaks in different places. If you’re not sure which one you have, the table below will help, or just bring it in and we’ll tell you.
| Type of partial | What it’s made of | What usually breaks | Usually repairable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic partial (sometimes called a “flipper”) | A pink plastic base with teeth set in it, sometimes with small wire clasps | Cracks in the base, teeth popping off, bent or snapped wire clasps | Usually yes |
| Metal-frame partial | A thin metal framework with pink acrylic and teeth attached to it | Teeth or acrylic breaking off the frame, a broken clasp arm | Teeth and acrylic usually yes; a broken metal clasp depends on where it broke |
| Flexible partial | A bendable pink nylon base with clasps made of the same material | Cracks or tears, teeth coming loose | Sometimes; flexible material is harder to repair, so we look at it first |
Can a broken clasp on a partial denture be fixed?
Often, yes. Clasps are the small arms that hug your natural teeth and hold the partial in place. They can bend, lose their grip or snap.
- A clasp that snapped off an acrylic partial can usually be replaced with a new clasp set into the base.
- A clasp that is part of a metal frame is a bigger job. Depending on where it broke, it may be replaced with a new clasp attached to the partial, or it may need more involved work.
- A clasp that is only loose or bent should not be bent back at home. Metal that has been bent several times can snap, and then a quick fix becomes a bigger repair.
Because clasp repairs vary so much, we price them individually. Call or send a photo for a free quote, or see our partial denture repair page for more detail.
What if a tooth fell off your partial?
Keep the tooth if you have it. Reattaching your own tooth is the lower-priced option: $120 for one tooth, $175 for two and $235 for three. If the tooth is lost or cracked, a new replacement tooth gets a free quote. Our guide on what to do if a denture tooth falls out covers the first steps, and the denture teeth repair page has the details.
One different situation: if one of your natural teeth was removed and you want a tooth added to your partial, that usually needs your dentist to take an impression of your mouth first. Talk to your dentist about that, and ask us about the repair itself.
Is it safe to keep wearing a cracked partial?
A small hairline crack may still feel fine, but cracks tend to spread with every bite, and a partial that breaks in two is a harder repair. Stop wearing it and get it repaired if any of these are true:
- it has a sharp edge that catches your tongue or cheek;
- it rocks or moves when you bite down;
- it hurts, or a clasp no longer holds it in place.
A partial that moves also puts extra pressure on the natural teeth the clasps hold onto. If those teeth or your gums are sore, see your dentist as well. More on this in are cracked dentures safe to wear?
How much does partial denture repair cost?
These are our published prices for partial repairs. They are the same whether you walk in or mail your partial to us.
| Repair | Price |
|---|---|
| One crack or break in the partial | $150 |
| Two cracks / three cracks | $179 / $269 |
| One tooth reattached (you bring the tooth) | $120 |
| Two teeth / three teeth reattached | $175 / $235 |
| Broken clasp, new replacement tooth or weak base | Free quote |
A repair usually costs far less than a new partial and takes far less time. Replacement makes more sense when the metal frame is badly broken or the partial no longer fits even after it’s repaired.
What should you do right after your partial breaks?
- Take it out if it’s sharp, loose or painful.
- Collect every piece, including any tooth or clasp that came off, and put them in a clean zip bag or container.
- Don’t glue it. Super glue and home kits make a proper repair harder (see can super glue fix dentures?).
- Don’t bend the clasps or file anything down yourself, and don’t soak the partial in hot water, which can warp it.
- Take a photo and get a quote, or simply walk in.
How long does a partial denture repair take?
Many common partial repairs are done the same day, often within a few hours. Cracks and reattached teeth are usually the quickest. Clasp work depends on the damage, and we’ll tell you the timing along with the quote. You can walk in at 9495 Page Ave in St. Louis, Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with no appointment. Here’s what to expect on a walk-in visit.
If you can’t come in, you can mail your partial to us from anywhere in the U.S. We send a free USPS label, repair it the day it arrives and send it back free by USPS Priority Mail.
Frequently asked questions
Can a flexible partial denture be repaired?
Sometimes. Flexible partials are made of a nylon material that doesn’t bond the way regular denture acrylic does, so whether it can be repaired depends on where and how it broke. Send a photo or bring it in and we’ll tell you honestly.
Will my partial fit the same after the repair?
When all the pieces are there and the break is clean, a repaired partial usually fits very close to how it did before. If it feels loose, tight or sore after a few days, let us know, and see your dentist if your gums or natural teeth hurt. Every repair has a 30-day warranty.
Should I see my dentist instead?
See your dentist if your gums are sore, a natural tooth that holds a clasp feels loose, or the partial no longer fits even though nothing is broken. A partial that fits poorly without being broken may need a reline rather than a repair (here’s how to tell the difference). If something on the partial is cracked, loose or broken, we can repair it.
How do I get a quote for a clasp repair?
Call (314) 733-5372 and describe the break, or walk in and we’ll look at it. Clasp quotes are free.