Why are my dentures loose?
Upper Denture
Loose Dentures, Find out why and what you can do about it!
There are a few reasons why you might be having trouble with your denture. You might be suffering from any or all of the following:
Does your denture feel loose?
Do your denture feel like it might pop out when you talk?
Is your denture hard to eat with?
Is it hard to talk with your denture?
It doesn't fit as comfortably as it used to?
We asked Darius, our Sunshine Coast Dental Prosthetist to explain why dentures can sometimes become sore, uncomfortable and ill-fitting and harder to use compared to when you first got them.
Here Are Three Common Reasons Why Your Denture Might Be Loose:
Gums and bone shrink as you age. Every individual person does this at their own rate, which means some people might find that their bones and gums shrink faster than others.
If you have had a recent tooth extraction, you may have had rapid bone loss in the first 3 mths;
Your clasps, the little metal clips that hold your dentures in fatigue. See your dental proshtetist and see if you need to get your clasps tightened.
Changes in your mouth
Perhaps your dentures are loose and all you need is a reline!
Every denture and person is unique and only a denture professional is qualified to tell you why your denture might be loose and offer you solutions. It is important to know that there are complications as a result of wearing loose dentures for an extended period of time, that may be irreversible.
If your dentures are causing you pain and discomfort it’s time to BOOK an appointment with one our dental prosthetists at All Smiles Denture Clinic.
The fact is, a lot of dentures will eventually become loose due to changes in your bone and gum tissue. How fast these changes might happen vary from person to person.
According to Colgate
Healthy teeth help maintain the oral soft tissues and the bony architecture of the jaws. When teeth are missing the bone and soft tissues can shift.
Dentures are designed and custom fitted to minimise further changes to the bone and oral tissue.
Over time, the gums that support a set of dentures may undergo more changes and cause an improper fit.
Changes in the denture.
Dentures can and will wear down over time. They are in most cases used daily for many years.
We often see dentures that are 10 years old or more.
During this time, your denture teeth might wear down or the acrylic base might also slightly wear down and thin out in places.
This is normal and to be expected.
It would very difficult for you to know whether your mouth has change or your denture, that is why it’s really important to see a professional.
How can I make my loose dentures fit better?
Relining a denture is something we do to help a denture fit more comfortably in the mouth.
Alternatively, we might be able to make an adjustment to your denture.
We won’t know until we see what the problem might be.
What is a denture reline?
A denture reline is a process that involves taking an impression and adding material to the base, the inner part, of your dentures.
We take a new impression of your gums and see where the denture is or isn’t fitting very well.
A new base will help create a better fit to your gums, this will in turn reduce food getting under the denture, excess denture movement and increase suction.
What is the difference between a hard denture reline and a soft denture reline?
A soft denture reline is used when a patient has sensitive gums and provides a softer cushioning effect when chewing or eating.
A hard denture reline, the most common type of reline, is hard. It is a new layer of acrylic that is applied to the fitting surface of your denture.
Why are my immediate dentures loose?
This is normal and to be expected.
There is almost always a rapid rate of bone loss in the first 6mth post extraction.
As there is rapid changes happening in your mouth over the first six months, your dental pros will be able to apply a temporary liner, which will make it stable during this shrinkage process.
This is very common and all you need to do is to see your dental prosthetist.
What are some signs of loose fitting dentures?
Clicking noises when you chew or talk
Mouth Sores
Problems chewing
Sore or red areas on the gums
Difficulty speaking or enunciating certain words, slurred speech
Bad Breath, or other signs of increased bacteria
Frequent headaches
Denture dropping when talking
uncomfortable, it feels like it doesn’t fit properly
Can Loose dentures cause problems?
Yes.
The most common complication is getting food stuck under a denture, which then can possibly create a sore spot.
Bad breath.
Loose partial dentures can damage your natural remaining teeth, causing even more tooth loss.
Loose dentures can also contribute to excessive bone loss. If the denture continually bumps the bone, this may increase the rate of bone loss.
Denture hyperplasia - where the tissue cells increase in size and number, because it is red and irritated. If it stays irritated, the gum tissue will increase in size.
This may need to be removed surgically.
What can I do if my dentures are loose?
Denture adhesive is commonly used. Use polident or denture adhesive if you have to. We get it.
Our advice is not to do this as a long term plan, using denture adhesive should be a short term measure until you can see a dental professional.
You should go back to your dental prosthetist and get them to have a look.
Don't rely on denture adhesive to make your dentures fit.
It's wise to make an appointment with your dental prosthetist if you notice any changes in your mouth.
Your dental professional will know if your dentures need relining or adjustment.
Author - Darius Northey, Dental Prosthetist
