Repair vs. New Denture — When to Repair, When to Make New?

Why do patients want repair instead of a new one?

The patient thinks: "It fit well, why not repair it?" — they're right from a financial perspective, but sometimes a new denture is a better investment.

Patient Psychology:

• New denture = getting used to it again (1–2 weeks).
• New denture = different color, different dimension (patient prefers "their own" old one).
• New denture = new costs.

Costs: Repair vs. New

Repair (laboratory):

• Disassembly, cleaning, diagnostics: 50–100 PLN
• Replacement of denture base (new material) — 400–800 PLN
• Tooth replacement: 100–300 PLN
• Sealing a crack (small): 50–200 PLN
• Complete reconstruction (large crack): 800–1500 PLN

New Denture:

• Acrylic: 3,000–4,000 PLN
• Metal: 4,500–6,000 PLN
• Flexible: 4,000–5,500 PLN

Rule of Thumb: If the repair cost is >40% of the new denture's price → it's better to make a new one.

Scenarios — What to Do?

Broken Denture Base / Saddle

If the crack is in the denture base (black material):

• Repair: possible if the crack is smaller (< 2 cm). The lab will pour, UV cure. Cost: 300–600 PLN.
• New: if the crack is large (> 3 cm) or in a critical area (where the rest seats), a new denture will be better.

Broken / Dislodged Tooth from Denture

If the patient broke a tooth (or it was dislodged from the denture base):

• Repair: replacement of a single tooth. The lab removes the old, inserts a new one, cures it. Cost: 100–300 PLN.
• Usually chosen: repair (quick, inexpensive).

Chipped Edge

If the edge of the denture is chipped (patient dislodged something):

• Repair: polishing, smoothing the edge. Cost: 100–200 PLN.
• Usually chosen: repair.

Loss of Retention (Rest Seating Worn Out)

If the denture moves because the rest seats are worn:

• Repair: replacement of the denture base (new material around the rest seats). Cost: 400–800 PLN.
• New: if the denture is already old (> 7 years) + rest seats are worn → better to get a new one (the denture base will also change).

Geometric Deformation (Dentures Bent)

If the denture is bent (e.g., patient dropped it, something fell on it):

• Repair: might be possible (if deformation is small), but the effect might be poor (the denture will move). Cost: 200–500 PLN.
• New: instead of risk — better to get a new one.

Old, Worn for 8+ Years

If the denture is old and has worked well:

• Repair: might be the last chance (material will degrade, might not be repairable). If the repair cost is close to 50% of a new one — get a new one.
• New: if the patient has time and budget — definitely a new one (it will last another 8–10 years).

Technician/Clinician Assessment — How to Decide?

Assessment Criteria: