Dental Article
What to Do If Your Dentures Break.
A step-by-step emergency guide.
A broken denture is a stressful emergency, but taking the right steps can often save your prosthetic and prevent unnecessary costs. In Alberta, denturists are the primary healthcare providers specialized in the design, construction, and repair of dentures. Drawing on guidelines from the Denturist Association of Alberta (DAA) and the College of Alberta Denturists, here is what you need to know if your dentures break.
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Step 1
Immediate Response: Protect Your Oral Health
The moment you notice a crack or a break, follow these steps to prevent further damage to the denture or your mouth:
- Stop wearing them immediately: According to Alberta clinical standards, wearing a cracked or broken denture can lead to gum irritation, mouth sores, and even cuts (lacerations) on your oral tissue.
- Save every piece: Whether it is a snapped base or a single tooth that has fallen out, collect all fragments. Alberta denturists often have in-house laboratories and may be able to bond the original pieces back together, saving you the cost of a full replacement.
- Assess the damage: Is it a hairline fracture or a complete break? Identifying the type of break helps your denturist provide an accurate timeline for repair.
Step 2
The Danger of DIY Repairs
The Denturist Association of Alberta strongly advises against 'home-made' fixes.
- Never use Super Glue: Household adhesives are toxic and not water-resistant. More importantly, they create a layer of residue that can warp the acrylic or prevent the professional-grade resin from bonding during a proper repair. This often turns a $150 repair into a $2,000 replacement.
- Avoid drugstore kits: While temporary kits are available, they can alter the fit and bite alignment of your denture. Use these only as a last resort if you are in a remote area and cannot reach a clinic for several days.
Step 3
Professional Repair Options in Alberta
Because most Alberta denturists operate with an on-site laboratory, many repairs can be completed as same-day services.
- Basic Repairs: Often completed in 1 to 2 hours. This includes fixing simple cracks or reattaching a tooth.
- Relines & Rebases: If your dentures broke because they were loose, a reline (resurfacing the base) or rebase (replacing the entire pink base) may be necessary to ensure a stable fit and prevent future fractures.
- Partial Denture Repair: If a metal clasp or framework has snapped, it may take slightly longer (sometimes 2–4 days) if specialized soldering is required.
Fee Guide
Alberta Denturist Fee Guide — 2025/2026 Estimates
|
Service
|
Typical Range
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Basic Repair (No Impression) | Standard | $150 – $200 |
| Complex Repair (Impression Required) | Mid-tier | $250 – $350 |
| Denture Reline | Premium | $650 – $800 |
| Annual Examination | Free at MyBite | $0 |
| Read About Denture Care & Repair |
Step 5
Prevention: The "DAA Way" to Handle Dentures
To avoid future breaks, the Denturist Association of Alberta recommends these 'best practices':
- The Towel/Water Rule: Most breaks occur during cleaning. Always clean your dentures over a sink filled with water or a folded towel to cushion a potential fall.
- Temperature Check: Never use boiling or hot water. It can warp the acrylic, causing the denture to lose its fit and become brittle.
- Regular Maintenance: The DAA recommends a professional check-up once a year and a reline every 2–3 years. As your jawbone naturally changes, your dentures will experience 'flex' during chewing — this is the #1 cause of mid-line fractures.