At lunch with friends, you start to tell a hilarious story, but in the middle of it, you feel your lower denture loosen. Speaking becomes more challenging, and you’re afraid that those around will notice or struggle to understand you. What could cause your lower denture to become loose? What can you and your dentist do to keep it in place? Answer these questions in the content below.
What Potentially Causes a Loose Lower Denture?
When you look at a full set of dentures, you’ll notice that upper and lower ones differ from each other. Because the lower denture must make space for the tongue and for jaw movement, it most often can’t achieve the same level of suction as the top. As a result, it’s common to struggle at some point with a lower denture that won’t stay in place. Here are some reasons why the fit of your lower denture may change.
Bone Resorption
The problem may not lie with your denture at all. As soon as teeth are removed from the jawbone, the density starts to deteriorate. The body resorbs those minerals, making the jawbone shrink and change over time.
Warping of the Base
If you aren’t soaking your dentures overnight as you should or have dry mouth, the plastic base (or pink gums) may start to warp. These changes in the shape can create discomfort and alter the fit of your dentures.
Inadequate Control
At first, managing dentures in your mouth can be tricky; however, with practice and patience, you should learn how to maneuver and manipulate your dentures using your tongue, cheeks, and chewing mechanisms. If you do not practice, you will continue to struggle to function with your prosthetic teeth.
What Can Help a Loose Lower Denture?
Depending on the reason your bottom denture isn’t staying in place, your solution will vary. After an examination and discussion with your dentist, you can identify the best course of action.
Reline or Replace Your Dentures
About every couple of years, because of resorption, dentures need to be slightly adjusted or relined to fit your ever-changing jawbone and gums. This process doesn’t take long, but it will make sure your dentures keep feeling comfortable and functional. About every five to seven years, your dentures need to be replaced with a new set to accommodate additional shrinkage.
Choose Dental Implants
Unlike traditional dentures, implants don’t simply sit on top of gums. They integrate with the jawbone itself, which not only gives replacement teeth stability, but also strengthens the jawbone with stimulation. In other words, resorption doesn’t happen, allowing your prosthetic teeth to last for decades rather than a few years.
Now that you understand why your lower denture doesn’t fit correctly, you can talk to your dentist and see what options you have. They can answer your questions and help you identify the solution that will best serve your smile.
About the Practice
For patients at Williamsburg Dental, our dentists offer many choices for tooth replacement. With custom treatment plans, everyone can get the perfect restoration and solution for their unique smile. With six locations in the Lincoln area, individuals and families can find care close by. Do you have loose dentures or have questions about tooth replacement? We’re happy to help! So, call one of our office locations to make an appointment today!