What to Do When Your Dentures Are Loose

From slipping out of place while speaking and chewing to causing sores and hotspots on the gums, loose dentures cause all sorts of frustrating problems. It’s important to know that if your dentures are loose or uncomfortable that it isn’t normal but rather a sign that your dentures no longer fit properly and need an adjustment.

If you’re dealing with loose or uncomfortable dentures, here’s what you should know about fixing the problem and why we recommend dental implant surgery.

Why Well-Fitting Dentures Eventually Become Loose

You might wonder why your dentures suddenly give you problems, especially if they were previously quite comfortable and stable. There are two reasons dentures may start to slip or rub the gums: bone resorption in the jaw or general wear and tear.

Jawbone Shrinkage

Bone resorption is a natural process in which the body breaks down bone and absorbs it into the bloodstream as calcium. In the case of loose dentures, bone resorption occurs in the jawbone, causing it to slowly shrink in size. 

Jawbone shrinkage is an unavoidable side effect of extensive or complete tooth loss, as the bone requires stimulation from teeth roots to maintain its strength and stability. The only restoration that can provide this stimulation is dental implants because the implant post fuses with the jawbone, just like the root of a tooth.

Dentures only sit atop the gums and jaw structure, which doesn’t prevent resorption from occurring. Months or years later, your dentures will become loose simply because they become too big for your changing jaw. 

Wear and Tear

Although less common than the jaw shrinkage issue, it’s also possible if your dentures are loose it is because they have become too worn to fit firmly on your gums.

If you’ve had your set for a few years now, have noticed visible wear on your dentures, or are a known bruxism sufferer, your dentures may have simply worn down and become loose.

How to Fix Loose or Uncomfortable Dentures

Now you know why your dentures are loose, but what can you do to fix the problem? 

If your dentures fit in your mouth differently or if you’re feeling rubbing and discomfort, call a dentist to schedule an appointment. Your dentures must be adjusted or replaced to fix the underlying problem or more severe issues, such as oral lesions, can develop. You can adjust your diet and try a strong denture adhesive, but keep in mind this is only a short-term solution while you wait for your appointment.

Your dentist will evaluate the fit of your dentures and determine how to fix the issue. Relining will solve the problem if the dentures are in good shape but fit loosely. Relining adds a new layer of material inside the denture to form a more stable fit. Your dentist can provide this relining service chairside, but if the fit is drastically different or the denture is physically damaged, you may need a new set.

Another option is to upgrade your smile with implant-supported dentures. These are a permanent solution that eliminates the frustrations of living with traditional dentures.

Why Implant-Supported Dentures Are Worth Considering

Though modern advancements in the design of dentures have helped tremendously in improving their lifespan and durability, they still have inherent flaws because of bone resorption. The only way to maintain a full smile while avoiding the potential problems with dentures is to replace them with implant-supported dentures.

Implant-supported dentures are rapidly evolving into the “standard of care” alternative to traditional dentures. They offer several advantages that dentures simply cannot provide, and the upfront cost is well worth their long-term value. 

Our dentists and patients love implant-supported dentures because they:

• Eliminate the need for messy adhesives
• Significantly improve your chewing abilities
• Stimulate healthy bone structure and stop resorption
• Support healthy gums and prevent rubbing
• Give the face a more youthful appearance

Implant-supported dentures improve your oral and overall health. Your physical health and mental wellbeing will flourish when you can begin eating a regular diet and chewing your food thoroughly again. You’ll also experience a boost in self-confidence because your smile will look natural and you’ll no longer need to worry about dentures slipping out of place.

The Laurel Manor Dental team provides All-On-4 dental implants, an implant-supported denture system that uses only four individual implants to support the denture prosthetic. We are experienced in placing dental implants and offer our patients the latest in dental technology.

Book a visit to learn more about implant-supported dentures.

If you need help because your dentures are loose or are interested in making the change to something better, we can help. Schedule a consultation to learn more about implant-supported dentures by calling our office in The Villages, FL, or requesting an online appointment.