Dizziness is a disorienting sensation often traced to inner ear issues, but for individuals wearing removable dental appliances, the cause may lie closer to the mouth. Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues, restoring function and appearance. While a well-made appliance should not cause systemic issues, an improperly fitted denture can lead to unsteadiness or vertigo. This concern is rooted in the complex anatomy linking the jaw and the sense of balance.
How Jaw Position Affects Balance
The mechanism linking jaw problems to balance begins with the body’s sensory network, specifically the trigeminal nerve. This cranial nerve is responsible for facial sensation and carries proprioceptive information from the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Proprioception is the body’s unconscious awareness of its position and movement, and the jaw’s input is a part of this system.
The TMJ is located in close proximity to the inner ear, which houses the vestibular system responsible for regulating balance and spatial orientation. When a denture causes the jaw to sit incorrectly, it strains the muscles and joint, potentially leading to a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This misalignment sends confused sensory signals through the trigeminal nerve pathways.
These aberrant signals influence the structures responsible for processing balance information. Jaw muscles, like the tensor tympani, are controlled by the trigeminal nerve and have attachments near the middle ear. Tension caused by an unstable bite can interfere with the function of these nerves and muscles, mimicking inner ear dysfunction. This physiological cross-talk results in symptoms like dizziness or vertigo.
Specific Denture Problems That Trigger Dizziness
Incorrect Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO)
One frequent issue is an incorrect VDO, which is the distance between the upper and lower jaws when the teeth are touching. If the denture is made too tall (excessive VDO) or too short (decreased VDO), it forces the jaw into an unnatural position. This strains the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Poor Occlusion
Another common fault is poor occlusion, or the way the upper and lower denture teeth meet. Premature contacts or an unstable bite cause the jaw to shift repeatedly when chewing or closing the mouth. This constant repositioning interferes with the proprioceptive feedback loop, sending confusing signals that trigger unsteadiness.
Denture Stability
The overall stability of the denture also plays a role, particularly for full dentures that rely on suction. A loose or constantly moving appliance means the jaw is always fighting to stabilize itself, exacerbating muscle tension and joint strain. New dentures often require an adjustment period, and temporary lightheadedness may be experienced while the body adapts.
Professional Solutions and Adjustments
If dizziness began after receiving or adjusting a dental prosthesis, consult a dental professional, such as a prosthodontist or a general dentist experienced in prosthetic dentistry. They will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the denture is the root cause. This assessment includes checking the vertical dimension and performing a bite registration to analyze the occlusal contacts.
Solutions involve specific modifications to the appliance to restore proper jaw alignment. If the VDO is incorrect, the denture may need a clinical remount, which adjusts the height of the biting surface, or fabrication of a new appliance. For poor contact issues, the dentist may perform an occlusal adjustment, grinding down high spots to ensure a stable bite.
If the fit is poor, but the VDO and bite are generally acceptable, a reline or rebase procedure may be needed to improve stability. A reline adds new material to the inside surface of the denture to conform better to the changing contours of the gum tissue. If dental adjustments do not resolve the dizziness, the professional may recommend a referral to a physician or ear specialist to rule out other non-dental causes.