Loose Dentures Problems — Professional Advice & Solutions

Do you have dentures that keep slipping out of position when you laugh, talk, or eat? This experience is incredibly uncomfortable and can leave you self-conscious and lacking confidence. Unfortunately, loose dentures are a common problem experienced by many who wear them to replace missing teeth. In this blog post, we will dive into the various causes of loose dentures and discuss solutions to these loose dentures problems so that you can confidently regain your smile. Read on to learn more!

Causes of Loose Dentures

Whether you’re a seasoned denture wearer or just starting, it’s important to understand why ill-fitting dentures occur and what you can do to prevent them.

Poor Fit

A poor fit can cause ill-fitting dentures. This can be due to the denture not being moulded correctly, your teeth shifting, or changes in your jawbone over time. If your dentures aren’t properly fitted, they may slip and rub against your gums, causing irritation and sores. It’s important to talk to your prosthetist if you experience poorly fitting dentures, as they can adjust the fit or create new dentures to ensure a more comfortable fit.

Natural Ageing

As we age, our muscles and bones weaken, which can cause changes in our oral structure. Some of these changes may lead to ill-fitting dentures. Dentures that fit properly at one time may become loose over time. The jawbone may also resorb, causing a change in the fit of the dentures.

Ageing is a natural process, but your prosthetist can help you adapt to any changes by adjusting your dentures or recommending implant-supported dentures.

Gum Resorption

Gum resorption occurs when your gums and jaws shift and shape over time. This can happen when your teeth are removed, leading to dentures that no longer fit comfortably or snugly. Over time, the dentures may rub against your gums and cause irritation, sores, or even infections. Regular dental checkups can help detect gum resorption early and prevent ill-fitting dentures complications.

Constant Wear and Tear

Your dentures undergo daily wear and tear from chewing and speaking. This can cause them to lose their structure or damage, resulting in loose denture problems. If not promptly treated, the dentures can eventually become unusable. Maintaining your dentures by cleaning them daily and keeping them in good condition is important.

Symptoms of Loose Dentures

This section discusses the most common symptoms of ill-fitting dentures, their causes, and some practical solutions.

Sore Spots

If your new dentures don’t fit well and move around the mouth, they can cause sore spots that are uncomfortable and painful. This may occur due to changes in bone density, in which dentures cannot maintain their shape, or the dentures weren’t fitted properly in the first place. Sore spots can make eating, speaking, and everyday activities easier. If you experience sore spots, consult your prosthetist to have them adjusted accordingly, as sore spots may also result in a risk of oral cancer.

Unpleasant Breath

Ill-fitting dentures can cause bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth due to trapped food particles and bacteria. This condition can be embarrassing, affecting your social life and self-esteem. To ward off bad breath, keep your dentures clean, and brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush to freshen your breath.

Speech Impediments

Loose dentures can impede speaking and lead to slurred speech, lisping, or whistling. You may feel self-conscious when communicating with others, resulting in social isolation. However, regular visits to your prosthetist and wearing adhesive denture pads or creams can help keep your dentures secure and improve your speech.

Loose Dentures Fit

The need for more daily adhesives is a sign that your new dentures have become loose. If your dentures feel uncomfortable, loose, and wobbly, it’s time to visit your prosthetist for an assessment. Ill-fitting dentures can result from worn-down dentures due to normal wear and tear or weight gain and loss. Your prosthetist can identify the root cause of denture problems and suggest a suitable solution, like denture reline denture replacement or surgery.

Treatment Options for Loose Dentures

In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most effective ways to fix loose dentures and ensure comfort and confidence.

Denture Adhesive

Denture adhesive is a temporary solution to fix a loose denture. They create suction between your denture and gums, ensuring a tighter and more secure fit. While this option can provide some relief and fix ill-fitting dentures, following the manufacturer’s instructions and choosing a product suitable for your dentures’ material and structure is essential.

Relining

Relining involves adding additional material to the part of your dentures that sit against your gums, which helps to improve the fit and suction. This is often performed at your dental consultant’s office and can give you a more comfortable and secure fit. Relining may be a good option if your dentures are relatively stable, but you’ve noticed slight changes in your gum tissue.

Rebase

If your dentures are older and have been used for a while, they may have suffered wear and tear, which can loosen the fit. A rebase involves creating a new base for the missing teeth in your existing denture, which sits securely against your gums. This can be more cost-effective than purchasing a whole new set of dentures.

Denture Replacement

In some cases, denture replacement is the most suitable treatment option. This tends to be the case when your partial dentures are severely worn, cracked or too loose for the above treatments to solve. In this instance, your prosthetist will assess your needs and help you select the most appropriate denture structure and material.

Implant Stabilised Dentures

If you’re looking for a long-lasting option, dental implants supported dentures could be an option. This involves placing dental implants in your jaw that support a full arch of teeth, which helps to improve the fit and stability of your dentures. While this option does require surgery, it can make a significant difference in your comfort and confidence.

Conclusion

Loose dentures are a serious matter that can take a toll on the daily life of denture wearers. There are solutions out there that can help, whether creating a new denture or adjusting existing ones. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with this problem alone, as there are expert prosthetists trained to help provide solutions for loose dentures. If you would like to educate yourself more about how we can help or if you want to schedule an appointment, contact us at the numbers below, and our friendly staff members will gladly assist you. Don’t let this problem hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards regaining confidence in your smile today!

Buderim: (07) 5317 1023
Caloundra: (07) 5315 8076

References

Dentures: Types (Partial and Complete), Cost, Cleaning, and More
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-dentures

What Are Dentures? Types, Care & Benefits
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10900-dentures