A Poor Fit That Just Won’t Quit: Some Signs That Your Dentures Might Need Adjustment

Modern dentures can be an excellent solution for extensive tooth loss because they are incredibly lifelike and can be so comfortable that you might forget that they are there. Just like any appliance, they need regular maintenance in order to function properly. Their fit can change due to wear and tear or the shape of your mouth shifting over time. Here are some complications that can arise if your dentures are not fitting properly and why you might need to see a dentist for an adjustment.

Possible Complications of Poorly Fitting Dentures

If your dentures aren’t fitting properly, you may experience symptoms such as:

Swelling and soreness

A pair of dentures should fit securely over your gums and be held in place with suction, preventing it from irritating the surrounding tissues. If your dentures do not adhere to the contours of your mouth properly, they can rub against the gums and other soft tissues at awkward angles. It doesn’t help that dentures can have hard or pointy edges that can poke and prod if they aren’t in just the right position. This can cause swelling, irritation, soreness, or even bleeding while you are wearing your dentures.

Difficulty speaking or eating

A pair of dentures will not move around in your mouth if it is fitting properly. Otherwise, your dentures may slip, slide, or fall out of place as you speak or chew. This can make social situations awkward by causing a lisp or making you slur your words, and they may even fall out while you are in the middle of saying something. You may also experience problems while eating like not being able to find the right leverage while chewing or getting food debris stuck between your gums and your dentures, which can cause irritation and gum disease.

Damage to your natural teeth

If you have poorly fitting partial dentures, their slipping out of place can cause them to frequently rub up against your natural teeth. This can damage them over time, wearing away the enamel and creating chips or cracks that can leave your teeth more vulnerable to decay or further injury.

Infections

Poorly fitting dentures can lead to infections in several ways. Food trapped between the dentures and the gums can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Loose dentures frequently moving around in your mouth can cause blisters in irritated tissues that can become infected if they are not resolved. An uneven bite can cause saliva to gather in the corners of your mouth, creating conditions for a painful and irritating infection called angular cheilitis. While all of these are uncomfortable, they can also lead to gum disease if they go untreated.

If you are concerned that your dentures are no longer fitting properly, consulting with your dentist can get you the help you need. With proper care, your dentures can serve you beautifully for up to ten years.

About the Practice

Murphy Family Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry has provided families in Murphy, TX with high-quality dental services since 2000. Led by Drs. Jacqueline T. Nguyen and Masoud E. Najari, the staff knows the importance of building long-term relationships with patients based on trust and effective treatment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as denture treatments. To schedule an appointment to have your dentures adjusted, contact the office online or dial (972) 516-2928.