If your denture broke in half, take it out, keep both pieces dry and clean, and don’t glue them. A clean break down the middle is one of the most common denture repairs and is usually fixed the same day. At Total Denture Repair a single break costs $150, whether you walk in at our St. Louis location or mail it to us.
Here is what to do in the first hour, how a denture that snapped in two is repaired, why it happens, and how to stop it from happening again.
What should you do right after your denture breaks in half?
- Take it out and check your mouth. If a sharp edge cut your gums or tongue, rinse with water. See your dentist if a cut doesn’t stop bleeding or a sore doesn’t heal.
- Collect every piece, including small chips and any tooth that came off. Small pieces matter for getting the fit right.
- Put the pieces in a clean container or zip bag. Don’t soak them in hot water, which can warp the denture.
- Don’t glue it and don’t try to wear it. Two halves held together with glue rarely line up, and a denture that’s even slightly off can rub your gums raw.
- Get it repaired. Walk in, or start a mail-in order the same day.
Can a denture that broke in half be fixed?
Yes, in most cases. A denture that has snapped cleanly into two pieces is usually a straightforward repair, because the two halves still fit together exactly. It gets harder when pieces are missing, when the break runs through several teeth, or when someone has already tried glue.
| What happened | Can it be repaired? | Price at Total Denture Repair |
|---|---|---|
| One clean break into two pieces | Usually yes, often the same day | $150 |
| Broken into three pieces (two breaks) | Usually yes | $179 |
| Three breaks | Often yes | $269 |
| A tooth also came off and you have it | Yes, reattached during the repair | From $120 for the tooth |
| Pieces or teeth are missing | Often, after we look at it | Free quote |
Full prices are on our cracked and broken denture repair page, and our denture repair cost guide explains what changes the price.
How is a denture that broke in half repaired?
- The halves are lined up exactly. This is the step that decides whether the denture fits afterwards, and it’s the step that glue at home gets wrong.
- The break is joined with denture acrylic, the same kind of material the pink base is made of, rather than a thin layer of glue.
- The acrylic sets, then the repaired area is shaped, smoothed and polished so there are no rough edges.
- The repair is checked before you get it back. Every repair has a 30-day warranty.
Most of these repairs are finished the same day, many within a few hours.
Why do dentures break in half?
A denture rarely snaps for no reason. The usual causes are:
- It was dropped. A fall into the sink or onto a tile floor is the classic cause.
- The fit has changed. Gums and jawbone slowly change shape over the years. A denture that no longer sits evenly flexes a little with every bite, and that repeated bending can eventually crack it down the middle. This is common with upper dentures.
- An old crack was left alone. A hairline crack spreads until the denture gives way. See are cracked dentures safe to wear?
- Age and wear. Acrylic gets more brittle after many years of use.
- Biting something very hard.
More detail in what causes dentures to crack or break.
Will it break again in the same place?
A proper repair is strong, but the repair can’t change why the denture broke. If it was dropped, a repair is usually the end of the story. If it broke because the fit has changed, the same bending is still there, and it can crack again.
Signs the fit may be the real problem: the denture rocks when you press on one side, it has felt loose for a while, you need more adhesive than you used to, or this is the second break in the same spot. In that case, have your dentist check the fit after the repair. You may need a reline, which reshapes the inside of the denture to match your gums again. This guide explains the difference between a reline and a repair.
How do you prevent it from happening again?
- Clean your denture over a folded towel or a sink filled with water, so a slip doesn’t mean a break.
- Get small cracks repaired early. A crack repair now costs less than a break with missing pieces later.
- Have your dentist check the fit regularly, especially if the denture has started to feel loose.
- Store it safely when it’s out of your mouth. See how to store dentures safely.
Where can you get it fixed today?
In St. Louis, walk in to Total Denture Repair at 9495 Page Ave, Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM. No appointment is needed. Here’s what to expect on a walk-in visit.
Anywhere else in the U.S., use our mail-in denture repair: we send a free USPS shipping label, repair the denture the day it arrives and send it back free by USPS Priority Mail. Questions first? Call (314) 733-5372.
Frequently asked questions
Can I super glue a denture that broke in half?
No. Super glue isn’t made for use in the mouth, the halves rarely line up, and the glue has to be removed before a proper repair. See can super glue fix dentures? If you have no other choice for a day or two, a drugstore kit is the lesser evil: here’s what repair kits can and can’t do.
How long does it take to fix a denture that broke in half?
Most are repaired the same day, many within a few hours. By mail, we repair it the day it arrives and send it straight back.
Is it worth repairing, or should I get a new denture?
If the denture fit well before it broke, a repair is usually the sensible choice and costs far less than a new one. If it was already loose, worn or has broken before, repair it so you have teeth now, then ask your dentist whether it’s time for a reline or a replacement.
Will my denture fit the same after it’s repaired?
With a clean break and all the pieces, a repaired denture usually fits very close to how it did before. If it feels different or causes sore spots after a few days, let us know and see your dentist.