Dentures remain a popular solution or rebuilding smiles after tooth loss because of their versatility. Whether you require a full or partial set, these restorations can rebuild your grin’s appearance and functionality simultaneously.
They’re designed to fit like a glove, but as your jawbone thins after tooth loss, they will likely become loose or ill-fitting over time. If you wait too long to repair or replace them, you could run into one or more of these 3 common concerns that can occur when your dentures no longer fit properly.
Issue #1: Sore Spots
Your restoration relies on a firm suction against your connective tissues over the bony ridges of your mouth to remain in place all day. However, these mounds eventually start to flatten as your jawbone degenerates without roots to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down or chew. As a result, your artificial teeth can’t form a tight enough bond and are likely to slip and slide in place.
This friction can cause painful inflammation or sores to develop, leading many patients to avoid wearing their prosthetics. If your dentures feel unstable or are rubbing back and forth against your gums, your dentist can help reline them to improve their fit or make impressions for a new pair.
Issue #2: Challenges Speaking
Tooth loss can cause a slur, lisp, or other changes to your enunciation that can be overcome once your tongue and other supporting muscles in your mouth acclimate to your new teeth. Once you’ve learned how to hold them in place while forming words, you’ll be able to converse much more normally.
However, if your dentures don’t fit correctly or are destabilized, you might notice that it’s harder to speak. If your tongue and lips are too busy trying to hold them in place, it can be difficult to correctly form the words needed to be clearly understood. Applying a denture adhesive, like a cream that forms a layer of cushion between your prosthetic and your gums, can improve the fit long enough for you to consult your dentist about a long-term solution.
Issue #3: Embarrassing Moments
Imagine this: you’re enjoying a nice dinner with friends you haven’t seen in a while, and in the middle of catching up, your teeth fall out onto your plate. Yikes! Many people develop anxiety, worrying that others will judge them for the state of their smile, but if your dentures don’t fit correctly, you’re more likely to experience a socially awkward moment mid-meal or conversation.
Fortunately, your dentist can work with you to adjust the lining of your dentures to improve their fit, though they might suggest replacing them if you’ve already had them for several years and they’re starting to wear down.
Contacting your provider is the best next step to addressing issues that are caused by ill-fitting dentures!
Meet the Author
Dr. Michael Byars has 15 years of experience helping people of all ages in Kansas City, MO, build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri- Kansas City, and is currently a valued member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. He combines a caring approach with attention to detail and state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. He proudly provides a complete array of top-quality services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including replacing missing teeth with dentures. You can request a consultation on the website or by calling (816) 781-8222.