When it comes to replacing missing teeth, few methods are as tried-and-true as dentures. They make it easier to smile, eat, and speak after tooth loss. After a few years, though, even the most well-made denture loses its snug fit. It begins to cause problems not just in your day-to-day life, but also for your long-term health. Keep reading to learn about five complications of poorly fitting dentures – and how your dentist can help!
Complications of Poorly Fitting Dentures
By wearing ill-fitting dentures for a prolonged period of time, you run the risk of these issues:
1. Swollen Gums
When your dentures don’t quite fit the natural contours of your mouth, they end up rubbing against your gum tissue in ways they’re not supposed to. Your gums can easily become swollen and irritated. Not only is this uncomfortable, but swollen gums are more likely to become damaged or bleed when you wear dentures.
2. Blisters
In addition to your gums, loose dentures can create friction against the other soft tissues in your mouth, causing blisters to develop. Blisters not only hurt, but they also increase the risk of infection, which in turn makes blisters grow and multiply.
3. Headaches
To hold poorly fitting dentures in place, you might have to hold your jaw in slightly unnatural positions. Over time, jaw pain can develop, which contributes to headaches.
4. Difficulty Eating
Loose dentures can shift around and even cause pain when you eat certain foods, forcing you to abstain from many nutritious foods that require a great deal of chewing. Food debris can also become trapped in the space between your gums and your dentures, which increases your risk of gum disease.
5. Trouble Speaking
If your teeth aren’t secured in place, you might accidentally lisp, whistle, slur your words, or produce clicking sounds when you’re trying to talk. Your denture may even fall out of your mouth entirely! This can quickly lead to social situations becoming awkward and embarrassing.
How Your Dentist Can Help Your Dentures Fit Better
Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer with ill-fitting dentures forever! Your dentist is an expert when it comes to improving the way dentures fit. They can evaluate your dentures and determine whether the base needs to be relined or it needs to be completely replaced.
If you’re interested in dentures that never lose their fit, your dentist may suggest attaching your prosthetic onto dental implants. Implant dentures remain securely in place, restore almost all of your original chewing power, and can last for 30+ years with the right care and maintenance. In short, implant dentures are the next best thing to your real teeth!
When your dentures don’t fit correctly, it can really hinder your quality of life. Instead of suffering in silence, call your dentist to see how they can help!
About the Author
Dr. Candice Denison earned her dental doctorate from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. Since then, she has expanded her knowledge of the field of dentistry through her memberships in the American Dental Association, the East Texas Dental Society, and the Flossy Ladies Dental Club. At Kinsey Drive Family Dental, Dr. Denison and her team are able to fix poorly fitting dentures and can even place dental implants in-house. If you’re looking to get affordable dentures that fit, contact Dr. Denison at 903-561-7604.