Loose dentures are a common concern found among denture wearers in Bryn Mawr and other areas. However, if you’re experiencing loose dentures, you’re not the only one. If your dentures have continuously been loose after an initial adjustment period, it may have a negative impact on both your confidence in your appearance and your comfort level while eating and speaking. Furthermore, it could negatively affect overall health.
Dillon Family Dentistry’s goal is to provide assistance in understanding why dentures may become loose or ill-fitting and also supply real-world solutions to restore the proper fit and function of those dentures. Whether you’re considering tightening (relining) your dentures, making new ones, or exploring alternatives with dental implants in Bryn Mawr, all popular among Main Line patients, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
Why Dentures Feel Loose
When you first receive dentures, some adjustment period is expected. However, if your dentures continue to feel loose or become loose over time, several factors could be at work.
The ADA actually recommends new dentures every 5 years on average. We love committing ourselves to taking the time to explain all of the options and do whatever our patients feel is right for them!
Bone Resorption: The Primary Culprit
The primary cause of dentures fitting loosely is bone resorption. The jawbone that once anchored your teeth helps support your denture. After the tooth roots are removed, the bone no longer receives the stimulation needed to maintain its structure. Over time, the body begins to absorb (resorb) the jawbone, which can change its shape and affect how your dentures fit.
Everyone who wears conventional dentures will experience some degree of jawbone change, though the rate varies from person to person. Some individuals may lose significant bone within the first year, while others maintain their jawbone structure for much longer. As these changes occur, dentures may no longer fit as comfortably or securely as they did initially, as the contours of the gums and jaw gradually shift.
Weight Loss or Gain
The amount of weight on your body will affect the fit of your dentures. If you lose weight, the soft tissue (gums) of your face will also lose some of their volume, which will change how your dentures fit. The opposite is also true with weight gain; changes in your facial shape can affect how your dentures fit.
Normal Wear and Tear
Dentures are not made to be a permanent fixture in your mouth. A denture made with average materials typically has a lifespan of around five to seven years. As time goes by, the denture’s base will erode, the artificial teeth can break, and the denture’s overall strength diminishes, leading to looser fits.
Poor Initial Fit
One reason dentures often feel loose is that they do not fit well in the beginning. This is why you need to choose Family Dentistry practices that have experience working with dentures (such as Dillon Family Dentistry). A properly fitted denture should feel snug and secure without causing discomfort or excessive pressure.
Gum Disease or Oral Health Changes
Your dentures may fit differently because of changes occurring in your oral health, including infection or inflammation of the gums. The swelling or shrinking of gum tissues can affect how well your dentures rest against your gums.
Signs Your Dentures Need Professional Attention
Recognizing when your dentures need adjustment can prevent more serious problems. Watch for these warning signs:
- Dentures slip when eating or speaking
- Clicking sounds when you talk or chew
- Food particles consistently getting trapped under dentures
- Sore spots or irritation on your gums
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Changes in your facial appearance or bite
- Needing excessive denture adhesive to keep dentures in place
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a denture adjustment in Bryn Mawr with our team.
How Dentists Fix Loose Dentures
The good news is that loose dentures can often be corrected. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate solution.
Denture Relining
Relining is one of the most common solutions for loose dentures. Refurbishing existing dentures is a bit of a passion project for us, as it fits with our conservative/ minimally invasive approach to dentistry. This process involves adding new material to the tissue side of your denture to improve fit and comfort. There are two types of relining:
Soft Reline: A pliable material is added to provide cushioning, ideal for patients with sensitive gums or significant bone loss. Usually, we do this immediately after extractions to be kinder to the tissues as they heal.
Hard Reline: A more durable acrylic material is used to reshape the denture base, offering a longer-lasting solution for moderately loose dentures.
Most relining procedures can be completed in a single visit, though some cases may require sending dentures to a lab for more extensive work.
Denture Rebasing
If a patient’s denture teeth are still in good condition but the denture base is worn down, rebasing may be the most effective solution. Rebasing involves replacing the acrylic denture base while retaining the existing teeth, creating a new, properly fitting foundation.
Complete Denture Replacement
Dentures that are significantly worn, damaged, or so poorly fitting that they cannot be corrected with simple adjustments will need to be replaced. Today’s modern denture materials, available at Bryn Mawr dental offices, offer improved durability, aesthetics, and comfort compared to older materials.
Denture Adhesives: A Temporary Solution
Denture adhesives are intended to be used temporarily, and not as a long-lasting solution. If you use adhesive to hold dentures in place throughout the day, please visit your dentist for an adjustment or a replacement option.
Don’t Just Read About It—Discover a Healthier Smile Today!
Take control of your oral health at Dillon Family Dentistry. Book an appointment today!