How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Broken Tooth on a Denture?

You’re having your morning coffee, and crack, suddenly your denture’s got a problem. A broken tooth on a denture isn’t just annoying, it can also mess with your confidence, make chewing awkward, and leave you wondering how much it’ll cost to fix. Whether it’s one tooth or several, you’ve got options.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know to get that smile back in business without losing your shirt.

Denture Tooth Repair and Why It Matters

When a denture tooth breaks, chips, or falls out entirely, it can throw off your bite, affect your speech, and even cause gum irritation. If left untreated, it might damage the appliance further. That one broken tooth may seem minor, but trust us, it’s not something you want to ignore.

The good news? Most denture tooth repairs are straightforward. The not-so-good news? The repair cost can vary more than a hotel minibar.

Common Causes of Broken Dentures and Damaged Teeth

Denture breaks happen for a bunch of reasons. Maybe you dropped your dentures in the sink (happens to the best of us), bit into something too crunchy, or your denture just reached the end of its natural life. Over time, wear and tear on the appliance, or even changes in your jaw or gum structure, can cause a cracked tooth, fractured tooth, or even broken or cracked base.

Some of the most common culprits include:

• Biting hard foods or objects (yes, that popcorn kernel counts)

• Age-related wear on the set of dentures

• Weak adhesive use

• Poor denture care and cleaning habits

• Accidental drops during cleaning or handling

Repair or Replace? The Tooth Dilemma

Not every issue means your dentures need to be replaced entirely. If it’s just one chipped tooth or a fractured tooth, a quick repair might do the trick. But if your denture has multiple broken teeth or a cracked base, your dentist may recommend replacing the whole appliance.

Denture repair services exist for a reason. Trained dental professionals or a denturist can evaluate the situation and let you know whether the denture repair might be a simple procedure or part of a larger fix. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of popping in a new tooth. Other times, you’re looking at relining or a new set altogether.

How Much Does Denture Repair Cost for a Broken Tooth?

Alright, let’s talk numbers. You came here wondering how much does it cost to fix a broken tooth on a denture, and while the cost may vary based on location, severity, and the type of denture, here’s what you can generally expect to pay:

• Simple denture tooth repair (think one tooth popped off): $50 to $150

• Complex repairs (like cracked denture bases or multiple teeth): $150 to $300

• Emergency denture repairs: May cost more, especially if done outside regular hours

The denture repair cost depends on whether you go through a denture clinic, your regular dentist, or a dental lab. Expect to pay more for rush services or if you need dentures fixed the same day.

And if you’re thinking about DIY denture fixes, just know it’s risky. Denture repair kits can offer a temporary fix, but using one can lead to misalignments, gum irritation, or further damage if you're not careful.

Why You Should See a Dentist Right Away

We get it, life gets busy. But a broken denture isn’t like a squeaky door you can just ignore. Waiting too long can lead to more issues, including pain, sores, and further breakage. A cracked tooth or damaged gum area could even impact your oral health in the long run.

So if your denture breaks, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Even if it’s just one chipped tooth, your dentist may recommend repairs that help extend the life of your dentures, and your smile.

Denture Repair Services and What to Expect

When you visit a dentist or denture clinic for repair, the process usually involves:

• Examining the damaged tooth or appliance

• Deciding if it’s a simple tooth repair or full denture repair

• Taking the denture to an in-house or external dental lab

• Completing the repair, usually within a few hours to a couple of days

If the break affects the fit, a reline may be part of the solution. Denture relining helps reshape the inner surface so your denture fits better against your gum line, especially after tooth loss or jawbone changes.

The Cost to Fix Dentures May Vary Based on Denture Type

Different dentures = different price tags.

• Full dentures: Usually cost more to repair, especially if the break affects more than one tooth or the base

• Partial dentures: Might be cheaper, depending on the number of teeth and how they attach

• Implant-supported dentures: These can be trickier. If a tooth breaks, the implant may or may not be affected. If it is, the repair cost will go up

Denture repairs on implant-based appliances sometimes require coordination with a dental implant specialist. And if you’re dealing with a loose or fractured implant, you may also be looking at a root canal and crown or even a new dental implant altogether.

Don’t Have Dental Insurance? Here’s What You Can Do

Dental insurance can feel like a maze. But if you don’t have dental insurance, don’t panic. Many dental clinics offer:

• Payment plans or sliding scales

• Membership plans that act like a discount dental plan

• CareCredit or third-party financing

• Affordable professional denture repair services

And if you’re trying to compare costs, always ask for a breakdown of the denture repair cost and what the procedure includes. One office’s average cost might seem cheaper until you realize it doesn’t include relining, a dental exam, or a new set of adhesive.

What Insurance Plans Cover and What They Skip

If you do have a dental insurance plan, check your policy. Some insurance plans cover denture repair, while others may only cover replacements every five years.

Look for answers to these:

• Does your dental insurance plan cover dentures made in a lab?

• Is a reline included under denture maintenance?

• Is the repair considered an emergency or cosmetic?

• Does your insurance cover implant-supported denture repairs?

According to the American Dental Association, patients should review their insurance annually and check the fine print around dental appliance repairs and replacements.

Using a Denture Repair Kit as a Temporary Fix

We all love a good hack, but some things just shouldn’t be DIY. A denture repair kit from the drugstore can help in a pinch if you’re traveling or can’t get to your dentist for a few days. But be warned: these are only for temporary use.

Improper application of adhesive or patch materials can lead to further damage. If your broken tooth isn’t aligned properly, you could stress the entire denture and create new cracks or sore spots.

If you must use one, do it gently and book that dental appointment ASAP.

Denture Reline and When It’s Needed

Sometimes the issue isn’t just the broken or chipped tooth, it’s the whole fit. A denture reline reshapes the base so it hugs your gums better. This might be needed if you’ve had recent weight changes, gum shrinkage, or a tooth extraction.

• A soft reline offers more cushion and is typically more comfortable, especially for sore gums

• A hard reline is more durable but takes longer

Your dentist may recommend either option depending on your oral health and lifestyle.

How to Extend the Life of Your Dentures

Nobody wants to keep coming back for repairs, so let’s talk prevention. Proper denture maintenance can save you time, money, and dental visits.

Here’s what helps:

• Clean your dentures at home daily using a soft brush (no, not toothpaste)

• Always remove them before sleeping

• Store them in water or a cleaning solution

• Avoid hot water that can warp the appliance

• Be gentle when handling to avoid dropping and cracking

• Use adhesive sparingly, and only when needed

Dental Implant Options for Long-Term Tooth Solutions

If you’re tired of chasing denture repairs or want a more permanent fix, dental implant options are worth exploring. Implants offer a stable alternative to dentures and often last longer, though the initial cost is higher.

Implants can support full dentures or just replace a single tooth. Your dentist may recommend this route if you’ve experienced repeated breaks, have healthy gums, and want something more fixed.

And yes, they’re pricier, but they’re also durable, low-maintenance, and can restore natural teeth function better than most appliances.

What’s the Average Cost to Repair Your Dentures?

Let’s break it down one more time for clarity. If you're wondering how much it costs to fix a broken denture, here’s the average cost across the board:

• Single broken tooth repair: $50–$150

• Cracked base repair: $150–$300

• Reline (soft): $100–$300

• Reline (hard): $300–$500

• Full denture replacement: $1,000–$3,000 per arch

Keep in mind: these are averages. Your location, the denture clinic, whether you're using a dental lab, and how urgently you need the fix all affect the final price.