What to Do When Your Denture Breaks: Safe Steps for Quick Denture Repair in Lakewood, WA

Dentures are designed to help you smile, eat, and speak confidently every day. But what occurs when they crack, chip, or fracture? Whether your dentures split in half, lose a tooth, or your dental implants just don’t fit right anymore, it can be stressful — especially if it happens unexpectedly.
At Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS — Dental Health Associates in Lakewood, WA, we know how important your dentures are to your comfort and confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what steps to take after a denture breaks, explain why at-home fixes like superglue can cause more harm, answer frequently asked questions on the topic, and show you how to get them repaired safely and quickly by a dental professional.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
When your denture breaks, the first thing to do is take a deep breath. Our team repairs most broken dentures quickly — often on the same day.
Take a close look at your removed dentures to identify the issue:
- Is there a clean crack across the base?
- Did one or more teeth fall off?
- Does it feel loose or uneven when you try to wear it?
Avoid forcing the denture back into your mouth if it feels unstable. Using a broken denture can cause discomfort, mouth sores, or even injury to your gums.
Step 2: Avoid DIY Repairs or Superglue
It might be tempting to grab superglue or a home denture repair kit — especially if you rely on your dentures daily — but this can cause serious problems.
Here’s why you should avoid DIY denture repair:
- Superglue isn’t safe for oral use.
- Most adhesives have chemicals that aren’t safe for your mouth or saliva.
- Improper bonding can complicate repairs.
- Once the glue hardens unevenly, it can make professional repair more difficult or even impossible.
- You could unintentionally change the fit.
- Even a small misalignment can affect your bite, speech, and comfort, potentially leading to sore spots or jaw pain.
Avoid fixing broken dentures on your own. Instead, store them in a clean container or denture cup, and contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Step 3: Contact a Local Denture Repair Expert in Lakewood, WA
The best next step is to call your dentist right away. At Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we provide fast, professional denture repair in Lakewood, WA, (close enough to Tacoma, WA as well) to restore your smile safely.
Depending on the damage, Dr. Kim can:
- Repair minor cracks or chips right in the office
- Replacement of teeth or partial dentures on your denture base
- Rebase or reline your denture for a better fit
- Create a new denture or type of denture if the damage is too extensive
Our goal is always to get you back to smiling comfortably as soon as possible — often with same-day or next-day repairs.
Step 4: Handle Your Dentures with Care Until Your Appointment
While you wait for your repair appointment, make sure to care for your dentures:
- Keep dentures moist. Place them in clean water or denture solution to prevent drying or warping.
- Avoid using them. Even if they “almost fit,” wearing broken dentures can cause further damage.
- Bring all broken pieces. Dr. Kim can usually put them back together correctly if you bring all the pieces.
Step 5: Understand What Caused the Break
Dentures can break for all kinds of reasons — knowing why can help you avoid it happening again.
Common reasons include:
- Normal wear and tear: Over time, acrylic and resin materials can weaken.
- Poor fit: As your gums and bone change shape, dentures may loosen and flex too much.
- Dropping them: Even a short fall can crack or chip a denture.
- Biting on hard foods: Hard candies, nuts, or bones can put excess pressure on dentures.
If your dentures are several years old, or if you’ve noticed recurring cracks or looseness, it might be time to ask Dr. Kim about new custom dentures or a denture reline for improved stability.
Step 6: Consider Long-Term Solutions for Better Comfort
If your dentures keep breaking or no longer fit as they used to, it may be time to explore stronger, more secure options.
Dr. Kim specializes in implant-supported dentures, which snap onto implants for extra strength and stability for your oral health.
These restorations:
- Stay firmly in place while eating or talking
- Feel more natural and comfortable
- Last longer than traditional dentures
For many Lakewood patients, implant dentures are a long-term investment in comfort and confidence.
Step 7: Schedule Regular Checkups to Prevent Future Breaks
Even well-made dentures need maintenance. Going to the dentist once or twice a year helps the fit stay on track and makes it easier to catch early signs of wear. During these visits, Dr. Kim can:
- Inspect for stress lines or small cracks
- Adjust the bite to prevent uneven pressure
- Professionally clean and polish your dentures
Routine care is the key to extending the life of your dentures and maintaining a healthy smile.
When to Seek Immediate Help
Contact your dentist right away if:
- You can’t wear your dentures comfortably.
- A large piece breaks off or goes missing from your denture implant.
- The crack has resulted in sharp edges.
- You are experiencing pain, swelling, or mouth sores
Getting help right away can keep the problem from getting worse and save you from more discomfort.
Why Patients in Lakewood, WA, Trust Dr. Kevin Kim for Denture Repair
Dr. Kim is well-known in Lakewood for offering gentle, efficient, and reliable denture care. Patients appreciate his careful approach, up-to-date technology, and focus on getting them comfortable again fast.
Whether you need a minor denture crack repair or a full replacement, Dr. Kim ensures your dentures fit naturally and look great, allowing you to smile confidently again.
Final Takeaway: Don’t Panic — We Can Fix It!
A broken denture might feel like a setback, but it’s a fixable one. The main thing is to skip DIY fixes, handle your denture gently, and see a trusted dentist to check it and repair it the right way.
If you’re searching for “denture repair near me” in Lakewood, WA, look no further than Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS at Dental Health Associates. We offer fast, safe, and affordable denture repair to get your smile back on track and in the dental lab, often the same day you call.
Schedule Your Denture Repair in Lakewood, WA Today
Don’t wait or risk making the problem worse with DIY fixes. Call Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, today to schedule your professional denture repair appointment.
📍 Dental Health Associates — Lakewood, WA
📞 253-398-9122
Restore your comfort, your confidence, and your smile safely and professionally.