Dentures are cost-effective and realistic-looking replacements for your natural teeth. Available in both full or partial sets, dentures are designed to allow you to chew and smile as you would with your normal teeth.
Full sets are held in place by creating a natural suction between your gums and the dentures, which contain artificial teeth and gum tissue. Some people may need an adhesive to help the dentures feel secure, but for the most part, the natural seal does all the work.
With partial sets, a metal framework holds one or more artificial teeth in place. With either full or partial dentures, a secure and comfortable fit is a must for proper function. If your dentures don’t fit correctly, they can cause more than discomfort. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore ill fitting dentures!
Dentures That Don’t Fit Properly Can Lead to Bone Loss
Your natural teeth played a vital role in stimulating your jaw bone, which helped keep the bone strong. Healthy jaw bone helps your face appear fuller, whereas lost teeth can make your cheeks have more of a hollow appearance as time goes on.
With dentures as your tooth replacement, they help stimulate your jaw bone to a certain extent to help retain some of your facial appearance. However, dentures that don’t fit properly won’t support your jaw bone in the same way.
Therefore, ill fitting dentures can lead to bone loss and improper wear on your gums, which can cause your bone to degenerate over time [1].
It May Be Harder to Chew Foods and Get the Right Nutrients
People who have dentures that don’t fit properly typically have trouble chewing, which is a problem that dentures are supposed to help correct. Without being able to eat the right goods due to denture discomfort, you may not be able to get all the nutrients you need for optimal health [2].
When dentures fit properly, you should be able to enjoy the majority of foods that you were able to eat before with your normal teeth. If your dentures feel loose or painful when biting or chewing, or you have difficulty eating with them, always follow up with your dentist to ensure your dentures fit properly!
Ill Fitting Dentures May Cause Sore Gums or Oral Sores
While it may take a bit of time to get used to your new dentures, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable beyond the first few weeks of wearing them. If your discomfort persists after this time—or is painful enough in the first few days or weeks that you feel something is wrong—don’t hesitate to follow up with your dentist.
Ill fitting dentures can cause sore gums or even oral sores on the softer tissues of your mouth that can be painful and frustrating. If you have oral sores as the result of ill fitting dentures, denture adhesive isn’t likely to solve the problem. Instead, call your dentist to have them check your dentures [3].
How Can You Ensure a Proper Fit?
Your dentist will do their best to ensure your dentures fit properly during your appointment. However, it’s up to you to note any discomfort that could mean your dentures don’t fit properly in the coming days and weeks. Remember, your dentures won’t last forever. They’ll need to be replaced every few years for maximum comfort. Always work with your dentist to resolve ill fitting dentures and protect your smile!
Sources:
1. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/denture-adhesives
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14576715/
3. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/dentures
