How to Repair a Dental Bridge

Repair your dental bridge at home.

If properly cared for, a dental bridge usually has a lifespan of many years. Sometimes, though, a bridge breaks during a time when your dentist is not in the office. If a dental bridge breaks during regular office hours, the best course of action is to call your dentist and ask to be seen promptly. If that is not possible, however, you can temporarily repair a dental bridge at home.

Things You'll Need

• Denture repair kit
• Dental repair kit

Instructions

1. Wash and dry your hands and your dental bridge. Be sure that you can fit the pieces together, and that no small pieces of the appliance are missing. If there are any fragments missing and you can not get a tight fit, do not attempt to temporarily repair your bridge.

2. Purchase a denture repair kit and also a dental repair kit. Some brands are Den Temp and Den Sure. These kits can be purchased at drug stores or large discount stores.

3. Mix the powder and the liquid in the denture repair kit according to the directions on the package. Different brands have different ratios, so be sure to read the kit carefully even if you have used another brand in the past.

4. Spread the mixed cement on each broken section of the bridge. Fit the pieces together. Be sure that they are fitting together exactly, because the cement will dry quickly. Firmly hold the pieces together for the amount of time specified on the package.

5. Use a small instrument to carefully pick away any excess cement that may be remaining on the bridge, then wash the bridge.

6. Replace the bridge using the dental repair kit. Place a small amount of the putty in each well in the bridge. Place the bridge in your mouth and press it down. Bring your teeth together and make sure that you have a normal bit. If you can not get a good fit, remove the bridge and wait until you can see your dentist.

Tips & Warnings

• This repair is a temporary fix. Call your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible for a more permanent solution.

• If you feel pain or discomfort after you replace your dental bridge, call your dentist. Your teeth can become damaged or broken by wearing an appliance the wrong way.