How Can Ill-Fitting Dentures Complicate My Life?

Dentures are marvelous restorative appliances that have allowed millions of patients to enjoy complete smiles after extensive tooth loss. While these devices should fit incredibly well when you first receive them, they can lose their fit over time due to wear and tear and the changing shape of the mouth. Here are a few common issues caused by ill-fitting dentures as well as how you can have them addressed.

Poorly Fitting Dentures Can Lead to Bad Breath and Infections

The space between the denture and the gums is exactly the sort of warm, dark, damp, sheltered environment that destructive oral bacteria need to thrive, and the best way to prevent accumulations of harmful germs is to practice excellent denture hygiene. However, it can become especially easy to develop accumulations of foul-smelling plaque and food debris beneath your dentures if they don’t fit properly.

To make matters worse, colonies of harmful bacteria beneath your dentures can cause nasty oral infections such as gum disease. It’s best to have a poorly fitting denture adjusted or replaced by your dentist to keep your mouth in good health.

Dentures That Don’t Fit Right Cause Gum Irritation and Dental Damage

If your dentures do not fit right, they may not be able to properly maintain their hold within the mouth, which can lead to them sliding about on the gums. The friction this causes can rub your soft oral tissues raw, and your appliance may even chip away at the enamel of your remaining teeth due to collisions. Seeing your dentist to have your dentures adjusted can be the best way to ensure that your appliance fits comfortably while protecting your oral health.

Ill-Fitting Dentures Can Fall out of Your Mouth

Many people have experienced their dentures falling out when they are in the middle of saying something, which can be quite embarrassing and possibly damage your appliance. This often happens because the denture doesn’t fit right, and while adhesives can help you wear your dentures comfortably for a while, they are only a temporary solution. After a brief consultation, your dentist will be able to tell if your appliance needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Don’t’ let a poorly fitting pair of dentures frustrate you and drag down your quality of life. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your smile beautiful and functional after tooth loss.

About the Author

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo earned his dental degree at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and has completed extensive postgraduate coursework in esthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and prosthodontics. His office in Homer Glen offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. If your dentures are not fitting well, contact his office online or dial (708) 854-5912.