If you’re one of the nearly 40 million Americans who has lost all their teeth, there’s a good chance you wear dentures. They’re a great solution because they restore your smile, self-confidence, and overall quality of life after tooth loss. However, one drawback that many people experience is that their dentures fit perfectly at first, only to become loose over time. In this blog, you’ll find out why that happens and learn about several solutions that will make your dentures fit and function like they once did!
Why Do Dentures Become Loose?
Dentures start out fitting well, but over time they become increasingly loose and can start slipping during meals or conversations. This happens because the proper fit becomes somewhat of a “moving target.”
Why? After tooth loss, the body begins to slowly reabsorb the bone mass in the jaws, causing them to shrink and change shape. When dentures are initially made, they closely adhere to the upper and lower jawbone to fit them perfectly – at the time.
Although dentures last an average of 5-10 years, you may need to see a dentist to improve the way they fit every 1-2 years.
How Can Loose Dentures Be Improved?
There are multiple options for helping your dentures feel great again. Since everyone’s situation is different, the first step is to schedule a consultation so a dentist can determine the best option for you:
- Reline – A reline adds material to a denture to re-shape the part of it that comes in contact with your gum tissue. The teeth won’t be changed but the denture will fit more like it did initially.
- Denture replacement – At some point, dentures must be replaced because of daily wear-and-tear. Also, after 5-10 years, the changes in the jaw become more significant and a reline may not be adequate to restore a denture’s fit.
- Implant-retained denture – This is an excellent solution that not only prevents further bone loss but also greatly improves the stability and fit of a denture. Typically, just 2-4 small dental implants per arch are used to anchor a denture.
With one of these options, you can look forward to dentures that feel as good as they did when they were first made!
About the Author
With over four decades of experience as a general, cosmetic and restorative dentist, Dr. Dennis E. Stansbury knows how important it is to have great-fitting dentures. Over the years he’s worked with countless patients to improve the fit of their appliances to help them enjoy life to the fullest. If your dentures are loose and you have any questions, he can be reached via his website or at (903) 561-1122.