Have you ever wondered how to make your dentures fit better? Or maybe you’re so used to ill-fitting dentures that you didn’t realise they could fit more comfortably.
When dentures don’t fit properly, they can cause a lot of pain and impact your ability to speak and eat. But don’t worry. We’re here to answer all your questions about loose-fitting dentures and how to make them a better fit.
Upper dentures rely on suction for security, whereas lower dentures have no suction and depend on muscles to help keep them in place.
Well-fitting dentures are essential for talking, smiling, laughing, and chewing. Dentures that remain in place and feel comfortable are vital for social interactions and living life with confidence. When your dentures don’t fit properly, what can you do?
Signs of poorly fitting dentures and how to make your dentures fit better
Gagging
With dentures in the upper jaw, gagging is usually the cause of the baseplate extending beyond your hard palate. Gagging often causes a loss of suction and the dentures to loosen. Lower dentures causing gagging are generally over-extended at the back of the mouth, under the tongue, which causes the denture to lift when the tongue is moved.
Fortunately, there are simple solutions to improve the fit of your dentures and reduce gagging. A dentist can remove some of the bulk of the material toward the back of the denture. They can also make the acrylic slightly shorter to allow for more distance between the trigger point for your gag reflex and the end of the denture. A few simple adjustments will reduce gagging and make your dentures a more comfortable fit.
Slippage
Dentures that once had a snug fit and have now started to slip when you’re laughing, talking or eating are a sign that your gums and jawbone structure have changed. Over time, the bony ridge that supported your dentures shrinks, creating a situation of ill-fitting dentures that no longer conform to the exact contours of your gums.
In such cases, patients often resort to denture adhesive to fill the gaps and keep the dentures secure. However, adhesives were never intended for long-term use. If you’re at the point where you can’t get through the day without adhesive, it’s time to speak to your dentist. If your existing dentures are still in good condition, it’s possible your dentist can reline them. This involves adding new material to certain parts of the denture so it fits your gums snugly once more.
Discomfort and pain
Another sign of poorly fitting dentures is a sore spot in the mouth where a denture rubs against the soft tissues. It is a sign the denture is not making unform contact with the underlying tissue.
Relieving the sore spot disperses the pressure over the entire denture surface, helping to give the denture a better, more comfortable fit and making the wearer feel better. Your dentist will have the materials and the knowledge to adjust areas rubbing your gums and can usually fix the problem in one short visit.
When it comes to knowing how to make your dentures fit better, your best bet is to contact your dentist. They can carry out simple adjustments as mentioned above, or an alternative solution may be to enquire about an implant retained denture.
Not only will implants prevent dental slippage, but they also halt bone loss, helping to maintain facial structures.
Don’t suffer in silence
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t have to live with the embarrassment and pain of poorly fitting dentures. Why not talk to the experienced dentists at My Local Dentists to see how we can provide you with a stable, solid and attractive new smile. Book an appointment today.
References
Oral Health Foundation – White paper on guidelines for the use of denture adhesives and their benefits for oral and general health
https://www.gskhealthpartner.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_US/pdf/SM1064+Global+Denture+Adhesives+Guidelines+1+SCREEN_READY.pdf
Pub Med.Gov – Knowledge and attitude about relining of complete dentures in clinical practice: A cross-sectional study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29692572/
Decisions in Dentistry – The Case for Implant-Retained, Tissue-Supported Overdentures
https://decisionsindentistry.com/article/the-case-for-implant-retained-tissue-supported-overdentures/