If you aren’t having a good experience when you chew, talk or smile, then that’s not normal. There’s an important reason why dentures should fit properly. If your dentures don’t fit, it could be causing problems for you. Dentures are removable replacement teeth created to restore the smile, speech, and bite of a patient who has lost all or part of their teeth. But if you’re not wearing dentures that fit correctly, your oral health problems could go from bad to worse. Here are the five signs your dentures don’t fit properly:
- Loose Dentures
If your dentures are loose, it can be uncomfortable for you to eat and talk. Loose dentures may also cause damage to your gums and cheek tissue, which can lead to infection. If you notice that your dentures fit differently daily, this could signify that they need adjustment. Your dentist may need to add more or less cement to the denture to fit correctly.
- Pain When You Chew
One obvious sign that your dentures aren’t fitting well is a pain when you chew. If they don’t fit right, they can pinch or irritate the gum tissue inside your mouth whenever you chew or bite down on something hard, like an apple or a steak. The more pressure you put on these sensitive areas, the greater the chance you will feel pain or irritation with each bite.
- Sores That Won’t Go Away
If you experience sores in your mouth after wearing your dentures for only a short period, this is a sign that something isn’t right with them. The friction caused by ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and sores that won’t heal if left untreated. Talk to your dentist if you notice these symptoms so they can determine if there is any issue with your current dentures or if better options are available.
- Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are a sign that your dentures don’t fit properly. If you have bleeding gums with your dentures in, it’s a very good idea to get the dentures checked out by your dentist. If your dentures don’t fit properly, you will experience bleeding gums. The obvious problem is that the denture doesn’t fit correctly and is not in a position to support the gum tissue. As a result, your gums can become irritated and bleed. This is a very clear indication that something is wrong with your denture.
- Trouble Speaking Clearly
This is especially true if you notice that people have difficulty understanding you when you speak. If this is the case, it could be due to how your dentures fit in your mouth or how they affect your speech muscle movements. Our lips and tongue move in different ways to form words when we speak, and if they don’t move properly because of ill-fitting dentures, it can make it difficult for others to understand what you’re saying.
What To Actually Do if Your Dentures Don’t Fit Properly
Having dentures that don’t fit properly is not fun. And it can be frustrating and embarrassing if you go out in public where others can see them. But don’t worry, there is a remedy.
See Your Dentist Immediately
Dentists are trained to adjust the position of your dentures, so they fit better in your mouth. The sooner you get to see your dentist, the easier it will be to adjust them correctly. If it has been a quite while since you’ve had your dentures made or modified, it might be necessary to have new ones made or adjusted.
Get Gums Checked
The other step is checking your gums by a dentist or periodontist (gum specialist). The tissue around your mouth can change over time, affecting how well your dentures fit. For example, gum recession can make it harder for dentures to stay in place, and gum disease can also cause problems with denture fit. If you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, talk with your dentist or periodontist about treatment options that may improve your oral health and help you wear dentures more comfortably.
Have Impressions Taken Again
If you lose weight or gain a lot of weight, or if your mouth changes over time, it may be necessary to take new impressions so that your denture can be remade. The dentist will take mould off your gums and teeth. The mould is then sent to the lab, where a new set of dentures is made. The new set of dentures should fit better than the last one. If not, the process can be repeated until a good fit is achieved.
Invest in a Dental Adhesive
If your dentures shift around while you wear them, there is a good chance you need to invest in a dental adhesive. This product will help keep them in place while you eat, speak or even laugh. It is available over the counter at most dental clinics or online through retailers.
See if You Can Get New Dentures
If an inexperienced dentist or dental technician made your dentures, they could be the wrong size or shape. If this is the issue, you should see if they can be remade or exchanged for different dentures. If made by an experienced dentist or dental technician, they will ensure that they fit before they are fitted onto your gums.
Conclusion
The truth is, dentures don’t have to be uncomfortable, and with proper care, they should feel just like natural teeth. Dentures can significantly enhance your quality of life, but only if they fit properly. If you’ve been experiencing discomfort or aren’t getting the same feeling and level of comfort you had when your dentures were fitted, consider visiting a denture clinic for a follow-up appointment.