Denture repair kit alternatives: why you should choose professional repair

At Aspen Dental, we repair your dentures the right way from the start. Over-the-counter kits can seem convenient, but temporary glues and fillers aren’t designed for custom-fit prosthetics. They can weaken the acrylic base, irritate soft tissues and make future clinical repairs more complex.

Our denture teams have served millions of patients nationwide and complete most repairs the same day¹. We use clinical-grade materials, verify the bite and polish the repair so it’s comfortable and functional before you leave. The goal is simple: restore function and protect your oral health with a repair that lasts.

We also make care easier to start. Many centers offer same-day appointments^¹ and flexible payment options, including 3rd-party financing with approval for 99% of applicants. That way, you get timely care without delaying a needed repair.

^¹_{Patients must arrive at least two hours prior to office closing to be eligible for a same-day repair. In rare circumstances, patients may be asked to reschedule a same-day repair due to staffing issues.}

What are denture repair kits

Denture repair kits are over-the-counter products marketed for at-home fixes. Typical components include super glue or “instant” adhesives, acrylic resins, plastic shims/fillers and sometimes replacement teeth. While they may hold a fracture temporarily, these products:

• Aren’t matched to your denture material or shade

• Don’t restore the original fit or occlusion

• Can trap bacteria or create rough edges that irritate cheeks and gums
  
  

Because dentures are custom-made for your mouth, only a professional repair can accurately re-align fractured areas, bond with compatible materials, and finish/polish the surface to protect the surrounding tissues.

Who should avoid them

Choose a professional evaluation instead of a DIY kit if you have:

• Cracks or fractures anywhere in the denture base or teeth

• A loose, rocking, or painful fit • Missing teeth or broken clasps

• Irritations/sores on the gums, tongue or cheeks
  
  

A clinical repair helps preserve the structure of the denture, supports proper speech and chewing and reduces the risk of sores or infections that can develop when a poorly fitting appliance is forced to work.

DIY vs professional denture repair comparison

DIY repair kits

At-home kits rely on temporary adhesives and non-precise placement. The up-front price can be appealing, but failures are common because the repair doesn’t restore strength or fit. Complications can include: • Chemical irritation or burns from incompatible glues • Bacterial growth in gaps or rough surfaces • Bite changes that lead to jaw pain, headaches or uneven wear • Fractures that spread, making the denture harder, or impossible, to salvage.

Professional repair

Professional repairs at Aspen Dental are completed by trained care teams who assess the cause of failure, restore structural integrity with compatible materials and re-establish your bite. Many locations complete repairs in 1–3 hours the same day¹. Benefits include:

• Clinical-grade bonding materials for a stronger repai

• Precise alignment to protect your jaws and joints,

• Careful finishing and polishing to reduce irritation

• Sterilization standards that support oral health It’s an efficient, cost-smart way to extend the life of your denture and avoid the higher cost of premature replacement.

What to expect with professional repair

Your visit starts with a focused exam to identify what failed—and why. From there, your Aspen Dental team will:

1. Stabilize and repair the fracture or replace a missing tooth using compatible materials

2. Verify your occlusion (how your teeth meet) and adjust for comfort

3. Finish and polish the repaired area to protect your soft tissues
   
   

In many cases, repairs are completed in 1–3 hours the same day¹. If the denture shows widespread wear or repeated fractures, your dentist at Aspen Dental may discuss whether a reline, rebase or replacement would provide a better, longer-term outcome. You’ll leave with care instructions to help prevent future issues.

Insurance and third-party financing options

Insurance coverage for denture repairs varies by plan and may require prior authorization. HSA or FSA funds can often be used for eligible expenses. We do not accept Medicaid. If you prefer financing, 99% of applicants are approved through 3rd-party lenders when they apply—so needed care can move forward without delay.

Risks of DIY denture repair

DIY fixes can change the way your denture sits, creating pressure points that lead to sore spots, ulcers and difficulty eating or speaking. Rough or gapped areas collect plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Many warranties are voided after home repairs and damage from improper adhesives can permanently compromise the acrylic.

What begins as a quick fix can result in a larger fracture or distorted base that requires full replacement. Professional repair protects both your appliance and your overall oral health.

Denture repair FAQs

Can I use super glue on my broken dentures?

No. Super glue can damage the acrylic, release irritating fumes and interfere with proper bonding later. It often turns a repairable crack into a more complex fix.

Why do denture repair kits fail so often?

They lack clinical-grade materials and precise alignment. Without controlling bite forces and fit, the repaired area is stressed and fails again—sometimes within days.

Are repair kits covered by insurance?

Most plans don’t cover over-the-counter products. Professional denture repairs may be covered depending on your benefits and plan rules.

Does Aspen Dental accept Medicaid?

No. We do not accept Medicaid.

Will I see a provider or dental provider?

You’ll be treated by an Aspen Dental dentist and care team experienced in denture services. They’ll evaluate the damage, complete the repair, and confirm the fit before you leave.

How quickly can you repair my dentures?

Most repairs are completed the same day¹. Many are finished in approximately 1–3 hours, depending on the complexity of the fracture and materials needed.

What if my DIY repair attempt failed?

Schedule an evaluation. We’ll determine whether a professional repair can restore strength and fit or if a reline, rebase, or replacement will serve you better long-term.

Take the next step with Aspen Dental Schedule an appointment at an Aspen Dental near you. We’ll assess the damage, complete a professional repair and help you protect your denture—and your oral health—with care that’s built around your needs.

¹_{Patients must arrive at least two hours prior to office closing to be eligible for a same-day repair. In rare circumstances, patients may be asked to reschedule a same-day repair due to staffing issues.}