Dentures are a tried-and-true solution for replacing missing teeth, and the prosthetics have helped countless patients restore the lost beauty and functionality of their smiles. But unfortunately, some patients struggle with dentures that stubbornly refuse to stay in place, particularly lower dentures. But what causes this to happen, and what possible solutions exist? Keep reading below to learn more.
Possible Causes for Denture Slippage
It’s fairly easy to tell if you have a loose lower denture; a few of the common symptoms include looseness during speech and eating, looseness when opening the mouth widely, and pain during function. However, when it comes to the potential cause for this looseness, there are several possible explanations. A few of these include:
- Changes to the jaw’s anatomy – After losing teeth, the jawbone changes shape and begins to shrink, which can impact how well you’re able to support a lower denture.
- Damage to the denture – Even though dentures are durable, they can still sustain damage over time, either to the prosthetic teeth or the base.
- Poorly designed dentures – Some patients opt for cheaper dentures to save money, and these often fall short of their expectations and rarely fit correctly.
- Decreased saliva production – A major factor in denture retention is saliva; if your saliva production is lowered or compromised, it can cause the denture to not fit as intended.
- Inability to exert control – Even though dentures replace natural teeth, they don’t function exactly like them, and a patient must adapt to how they chew and control their tongue and cheeks to help keep the denture in place.
Solutions for Slipping Dentures
Having a lower denture that consistently slips out of place can be frustrating; however, help is available! If your denture refuses to stay in place, you can speak with your dentist about possible solutions. These include things like:
- A reline of the denture – A reline of the denture will readapt the base to your current ridge anatomy. This can usually be done within a single appointment.
- A new denture – When a reline isn’t viable, a new denture is usually a good option. This will take longer than a reline; however, a new denture should last around 7 years or so.
- An alternative to a removable denture – You could have dental implants placed to secure your denture, which is arguably the best alternative and most effective solution as they’re intended to last for several decades.
About the Practice
The team at Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson is thrilled to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the area under the leadership of Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh. The practice proudly offers a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options including dentures. If you have any questions about dentures or would like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (972) 701-3353.