If you’ve ever struggled with loose dentures, you know how frustrating it can be to get through any normal daily activity. You’ve probably tried denture adhesive to keep your loose denture from rocking or rubbing your gums. Sadly, pastes and adhesives only help so much.
What Causes Loose Dentures?
Loose dentures are like wearing an ill fitting pair of shoes. Once appliances become loose, they can cause irritation, discomfort, or be impossible to wear. Unfortunately, a bad denture fit can cause chronic—and even permanent—changes to your oral anatomy.
Here are just a few reasons why you might be reaching for the denture adhesives to keep your “plate” in place:
Sleeping in Your Dentures—When you sleep in your dentures, there is constant pressure placed on your gums and bone. This simple mistake can reduce the life of your denture and alter the shape of your jawbone.
Wearing Out the Acrylic—If your denture isn’t cared for properly, the acrylic base and teeth can start to wear out. This shortening of the upper dentures and lower dentures changes the way your prosthetics fit and work against one another. And unlike tooth enamel, acrylic can wear out quicker than you might expect.
Additional Tooth and Bone Loss—There are several reasons why a person might experience bone loss in their jaws. Bone shrinkage can happen when more teeth are removed, you’re sleeping in a denture at night, or even when certain medications are taken. The changes in your jaw contour can impact the fit of full and partial dentures even if they’re worn on the opposite arch.
Relying on Denture Adhesive—If you’re not giving yourself time to adjust to your new denture, or it hasn’t been properly fitted, adhesive strips or pastes are probably a go-to. This measure can mask bigger problems going on with your denture fit, allowing them to get worse.
Problems Caused by Uncomfortable Dentures
Pain—When dentures become loose for one reason or another, it usually hurts to wear them. The pain may not be noticeable until you try to eat with them, or if they randomly pinch your skin at inopportune times. A properly fitted pair of new dentures should not cause pain.
Difficulty Eating—Chewing with a new denture is challenging enough. But if it becomes loose, your biting pressure is reduced significantly. This can lead to problems getting the right nutrients or even having trouble from malabsorption or gastrointestinal issues.
Self-Consciousness—If you have an ill fitting denture, everyday activities like speaking to friends or sharing a meal with your family can become embarrassing moments. Especially if you notice slurring while you speak or need to cut your meal up into extremely small bites.
Bone Resorption—Whenever a denture rubs irregularly or places unnatural pressure in certain areas, it can cause the bone in that space to naturally resorb (shrink back.) Additional bone shrinkage further complicates your denture problem.
Ulcers and Sores—Ill fitting dentures physically rub your gingiva (gums) at pressure points throughout your mouth. In addition to minor soreness or chafing, the intense rubbing can lead to serious sores throughout your mouth.
Oral Infections—Open wounds and continued irritation is a recipe for infection, especially in a place like your mouth, where various bacterial colonies are present.
Alternatives to Denture Adhesive
If you have loose dentures, there are a few options that your dentist may be able to offer.
First is having them relined. This is a step below replacing your prosthesis with a new denture altogether. Having your dentures relined involves adding newly molded acrylic to the base of your plate, which rests against your gum tissues.
The next option would be to get a new denture made and replace the old one altogether. Older dentures tend not to fit as well since your mouth changes over time, so an updated prosthesis may be your best option.
And finally, you have the option of incorporating dental implants. Implants can be used to stabilize your removable dentures or even replace your missing teeth with a permanent, hybrid appliance.
Implant Supported Dentures (Overdentures)
One popular option for denture wearers is “stabilized” plates that “snap” or “clip” onto corresponding implants for added security. Most people refer to these denture teeth as overdentures. While they are similar to a conventional denture design, the under-side has special locators that attach to 2-4 implants in your jaw. These restorative upgrades are excellent for denture wearers who may not qualify for permanent implant fixed dentures or a reline.
Overdentures eliminate the need for adhesives and keep your denture firmly in place throughout the day. The only difference in implant stabilized and permanent designs is that these dentures are still removable and may cover a bit more gum tissue than a hybrid “All-on-4” version.
Permanently Fix Loose Dentures
If you wished you still had natural teeth, there’s a practical solution for your ill-fitting dentures: dental implants. At Gordon Dental, we offer a wide variety of implant options, even if you already wear dentures. If relining your prosthesis isn’t the right answer, why not consider permanently fixing them in place?
Our dental implant options include a choice of All-on-4 and All-on-6 treatments that provide improved function for your overall smile. The secure fit of each hybrid prosthesis delivers the confidence and comfort you need for day-to-day activities.
With All-on-4 or All-on-6, you can:
- Eat all of your favorite foods
- Speak more clearly than you did with dentures
- Enjoy a comfortable, non-removable restoration
- Never worry about rubbing, sores, or adhesives
- Naturally limit new bone loss in your jaws
Reserve a Free Consultation
Bothered by the way your dentures fit? It’s time to visit our dental professional for a permanent fix once and for all. Contact our Kansas City implant dentist today to find out if a permanent denture alternative is right for you. When you visit Gordon Dental, you have immediate access to advanced implant treatments to make loose dentures a thing of the past. In addition, flexible financing plans are available!