How To Tell If Your Dentures Are Too Big: A Simple Guide

Dentures help people who have lost their natural teeth. They help you eat, talk, and smile better. But it’s very important that your dentures fit well.

How to tell if your dentures are too big is something you might wonder if you’re having trouble with your dentures. Ill-fitting dentures can cause problems like pain, discomfort, and trouble eating or talking.

In this guide, we’ll talk about how to know if your dentures don’t fit right and what you can do about it.

What Should A Good Denture Fit Be Like?

When your dentures fit right, they should feel comfortable and stay in place.

A good fit means:

Your dentures stay in place and don’t slip around.
You can talk clearly without your dentures moving too much.
They feel comfortable, not too tight or too loose.
They stay put when you eat or drink.

How To Tell If Your Dentures Are Too Big

Sometimes, dentures don’t fit well because they are too big for your mouth. When dentures are too big, they can cause problems for your oral health.

A few signs can show if your dentures are too big.

So, let’s look at them.

Difficulty Talking

If you can’t talk clearly or notice that you’re slurring your words, your dentures might be too big. When dentures fit well, they don’t get in the way of talking.

Denture Slipping

If your dentures feel loose and slip around in your mouth, they might be too big. Well-fitting dentures should stay in place when you eat or talk.

Sore Spots In Your Mouth

Sometimes, dentures that are too big can cause sore spots on your gums. If you notice any sore areas, your dentures may not fit right.

Trouble Eating Hard Foods

If you have trouble eating food, like hard or sticky foods, it might be because your dentures are too big. Dentures that fit well should let you chew all kinds of food.

Pressure On Your Gums

If your dentures are too big, you might feel uneven pressure on your gums. This can be uncomfortable and cause pain.

Redness Or Swelling In Your Mouth

If you see redness or swelling after wearing your dentures, it could be because they don’t fit properly.

You’re Always Adjusting Your Dentures

If you always have to adjust your dentures, they might be too big. When dentures fit well, they should stay in place.

Extra Saliva Or Dry Mouth

If you produce more saliva than usual or feel your mouth is dry, your dentures might not fit right. Well-fitting dentures don’t cause these problems.

What Can You Do If Your Dentures Are Too Big?

If your dentures don’t fit well, there are things you can do to fix the problem.

Visit Your Prosthetist: If your dentures are too big, it’s best to see your prosthetist. They can check your dentures and make adjustments to make them fit better.
Denture Relining: If your dentures are too big because of changes in your gums, having your dentures relined can be a solution. This is when your prosthetist adds new material inside the dentures so they fit better.
Use Denture Adhesive: If your dentures are a little loose, denture adhesives can help hold them in place. This is a temporary solution while you wait for your prosthetist to fix your dentures.
Eat Softer Foods: While you wait for your dentures to be adjusted, try eating softer foods. Soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are easier to eat.
Keep Your Dentures Clean: Clean your dentures every day. This helps keep them in good shape and ensures they fit well.

What If Your Dentures Don’t Feel Right After Adjustments?

Even after you’ve had adjustments made to your dentures, you may still feel discomfort or notice they don’t fit properly.

This could be due to several factors:

Multiple Adjustments May Be Needed: Sometimes, ill-fitting dentures require more than one visit for adjustments. If your dentures still feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to see your prosthetist again. They can make further adjustments to improve the fit.
Your Gums Are Healing: If you’ve recently had dentures fitted, your gums may still be healing. During this time, your mouth can change shape, and the dentures might need more adjustments to accommodate these changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to adjust to new denture teeth?

It usually takes a few weeks to get used to new dentures. You might feel some discomfort at first, but your mouth will adjust over time.

What are the different types of dentures available?

There are several types of dentures, and the right one for you depends on your specific needs and the amount of natural teeth you have.

Here’s a breakdown:

Full Dentures: These are used when teeth are missing in the upper or lower jaw. Full dentures provide a complete set of artificial teeth that fit snugly over your gums.
Partial Dentures: If you still have some natural teeth, partial dentures fill in the gaps. These are often attached to nearby natural teeth for support and stability.
Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are placed in your mouth after removing your remaining teeth. You can wear dentures of that kind immediately because they get custom-made ahead of time.

Can I fix dentures quickly if they’re too big?

It’s best to visit your prosthetist. They can adjust your dentures to fit properly or recommend denture relining. A dental adhesive can help temporarily, but professional help will give you the best result.

Conclusion

Wearing dentures should feel comfortable and help you live your life without trouble. If your dentures are too big, look for signs like difficulty speaking, sore spots, or slipping.

If you notice these things, visit your prosthetist to get your dentures adjusted. With the right help, you’ll enjoy the comfort and confidence of well-fitting dentures.

If your dentures don’t fit right, want to know how to care for your dentures, or to schedule a cleaning appointment, don’t hesitate to contact Custom Denture Clinic at:

BUDERIM: (07) 5317 1023

CALOUNDRA: (07) 5315 8076

Our friendly team will help you get the best fit so you can smile, talk, and eat with ease again!

Sources:

Willans K. Dentures: Why Are They Cutting into My Gums? [Internet]. NewMouth. 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.newmouth.com/blog/dentures-cutting-into-gums/

Soft Food Diet Options: What to Eat After Dental Treatment [Internet]. Colgate®. 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/soft-food-diet-options-what-to-eat-after-dental-treatment

Russell AM. Dentures: Benefits, Types And Costs [Internet]. Forbes Health. 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/health/dental/dentures/