While dentures offer a convenient and affordable option for tooth replacement, ill-fitting dentures can be uncomfortable and difficult to wear—to say nothing of the embarrassment you may feel if they slip or fall out. In some cases, loose dentures may even cause pain and sores in the gums and mouth. Find out more about denture care below if you want to know how to make your dentures fit better.
Unfortunately, there is very little you can do at home—apart from using a stronger denture adhesive. Denture fixative can be messy and may not work if your dentures are particularly loose or poorly fitting, as your dentures still won’t fit properly.
The best option is to see a dentist who is experienced in fitting dentures and can discover what the problem is so they can suggest the best way to solve it. Before we dive into how to make your dentures fit better, it’s worth looking at what causes poorly fitting dentures in the first place. So let’s dive in and take a look.
1. Inaccurate or incorrect measurements
When a dentist or technician makes dentures, careful measurements should ensure optimal comfort and fit. Occasionally, incorrect upper and lower jaw measurements may cause a problem during the manufacturing process. However, minor adjustments may be necessary after the initial fitting to get the best results in most cases.
If the dentures continue to cause discomfort or do not fit well after adjustments are made, the reason may be down to other underlying factors. These can include bruxism (teeth grinding) or gum disease that causes your gums to shrink back.
2. Gum Recession
Gum recession is triggered by gum disease that attacks the gums, eroding them. As the disease progresses to periodontal disease, it also deteriorates other tooth-supporting structures, including the jawbone. Eradicating gum recession can assist in how to make your dentures fit better.
Dentures may contribute to gum disease as they can diminish saliva production. Saliva is your mouth’s way of washing away bacteria. So if more bacteria are present, there is likely to be more significant damage to the gums from the acid the bacteria produce as a waste product. Furthermore, poorly fitting dentures can rub against gum tissue, creating inflammation and increasing the risk of infection.
3. Jawbone Recession
Jawbone recession is a common dental problem that affects many people. It’s the loss of bone that occurs in the jawbone, which can contribute to poor-fitting dentures. This problem can be triggered by many factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, and age. It is also a common side effect of wearing dentures.
Dentures cause jawbone recession because they place abnormal pressure on the gums and jawbone, particularly when biting and chewing. The constant use of dentures can cause the bone to recede and the gum tissue to shrink, creating an uneven surface on which the dentures will rest. Ultimately, this leads to loose-fitting dentures and is why they need to be changed every so often.
4. Warped Dentures
Dentures can become distorted and warped—particularly the newer, lighter dentures and you should always make sure that you have a denture care routine that will keep them in good condition to improve their longevity.
How to make your dentures fit better with a visit to the dentist?
One thing is sure: doing nothing won’t make your dentures fit any better. But a visit to the dentist coupled with good denture aftercare can certainly help. A dentist can examine your teeth, gums, and dentures and take x-rays to assess your jawbone, diagnose the problem, and put forward a solution to determine how to make your dentures fit better.
It could be that a simple, straightforward adjustment of your dentures is needed that the dentist can do while you wait. Partial dentures, for instance, can often be made to fit better by utilising simple adjustments. Many of the same issues for partials also apply to complete dentures. Dentures can be adjusted to eradicate the problem of sore spots and pressure points. Or can be shortened in areas where they are too long (often a cause of gagging).
Tips on how to extend the life of your dentures
Proper denture care is essential to ensure your dentures fit better for longer. If you rinse them in too hot water or leave them out in the sun, they will be prone to warping. These denture care tips will help you keep your dentures in good condition and prevent them from warping:
- Rinse your dentures in tepid water after every meal and use a denture brush to clean them thoroughly
- Soak your dentures in water or a cleaning solution overnight
- Keep your dentures in a case when you’re not wearing them – don’t leave them out in the sun.
How to Make Your Dentures Fit Better – The Bottom Line
If you are having trouble with poorly fitting dentures, don’t despair. There are ways to make them fit better. Well-fitting dentures ensure a better daily oral care routine that keeps bacteria at bay. Plus, don’t let your dentures dry out if you want to prevent warping. If you need more help or are concerned about your dentures not fitting correctly get in touch today.
References
WebMD Receding Gums.
Colgate – Bone Resorption: Why it happens and what to do next
