The challenge of achieving stability with a lower, or mandibular, denture is common. This difficulty stems from the unique anatomy of the lower jaw, which offers a smaller, moving foundation compared to the upper jaw’s palate. Movement from the tongue and cheek muscles acts to dislodge the denture, making eating and speaking difficult. Solutions range from daily adhesive use to professional adjustments and permanent surgical anchoring. This guide provides actionable steps on how to secure a bottom denture, improving function and comfort.
Utilizing Denture Adhesives Correctly
Denture adhesives offer an immediate, though temporary, solution to enhance the stability of a loose-fitting lower appliance. They work by creating a thin, flexible layer that fills the microscopic gaps between the denture base and the gum tissue, improving the seal and minimizing movement. Adhesives are designed to supplement a well-fitting denture, not to compensate for one that is severely ill-fitting.
Adhesives are available in various forms, each with specific application methods. Cream adhesives are the most popular, providing a cushion and a strong seal; apply three to four small, short strips along the ridge of the denture base. Powder adhesives are generally less messy and are applied as a thin, even layer to a slightly moistened denture, shaking off any excess powder before placement. Adhesive strips or pads are pre-cut liners that provide extra cushioning and are often preferred by those with sensitive or flat gum ridges.
To apply any adhesive effectively, the denture must first be thoroughly cleaned and dried, as moisture interferes with bonding. After applying a minimal amount of the product, press the denture firmly into place and bite down for a few seconds to secure the hold. Using too much adhesive can cause it to ooze out, which is wasteful and can cause irritation or make the denture harder to clean. Proper removal involves soaking the denture in warm water and gently brushing away any residual adhesive from both the appliance and the gum tissue.
Ensuring Proper Denture Fit and Maintenance
Instability often signals a change in the oral anatomy underneath the denture, primarily due to a process called alveolar ridge resorption. Without the stimulation of natural tooth roots, the underlying jawbone gradually shrinks, causing the gum tissue to become smaller and flatter over time. Since a denture is a rigid device, this change in the mouth’s contour creates space between the denture base and the gums, leading to looseness and slippage.
Professional intervention is necessary to address anatomical changes and restore the denture’s fit. A common procedure is a reline, which involves resurfacing the inside of the denture base with new material to match the current shape of the gum tissue. A soft reline uses a pliable, rubbery material that acts as a shock absorber, often recommended for patients with sensitive gums. A hard reline uses a durable acrylic and is performed every one to two years to maintain an optimal fit.
A rebase is a more extensive procedure than a reline, replacing the entire pink acrylic base material while keeping the original artificial teeth. This is done when the denture’s foundation is weakened, cracked, brittle, or when significant anatomical changes require a complete overhaul. Daily maintenance is important for longevity and fit. This includes cleaning the denture with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent material degradation. Store the denture in water or a denture solution overnight to prevent the acrylic from drying out and changing shape.
Addressing Stability Through Oral Structure Changes
For long-term stability, modifying the oral structure through dental implants offers the most significant improvement. Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone to act as artificial tooth roots. This method effectively anchors the denture, eliminating the slippage and movement that plague traditional lower dentures.
One popular option is the implant-retained denture, or overdenture, which uses two to four implants in the lower jaw. The denture is fitted with special attachments, often called locators or “snaps,” that clip onto the implants, providing a secure, removable hold. The denture still rests on the gum tissue, but the implants prevent lifting or shifting, improving the ability to chew and speak. Because these overdentures are removable, they are easier to clean and maintain hygiene around the implants.
A more secure option is the implant-supported denture, sometimes referred to as a fixed hybrid denture or “All-on-4” system. This method utilizes four to six implants, and the denture framework is permanently screwed or cemented onto the implants. With this restoration, the entire force of chewing is supported by the implants and jawbone, not the gums, offering a bite strength and stability closest to natural teeth. Since implant-supported dentures are permanent, they are not removed by the patient, requiring a cleaning approach similar to brushing natural teeth.
Techniques for Managing Lower Denture Movement
While professional solutions address the fit of the device, managing a lower denture depends heavily on the user’s learned habits and muscle control. The tongue is a powerful muscle that naturally wants to displace the lower denture, but with practice, it can be trained to help stabilize the appliance. This involves adapting the tongue and cheek muscles to rest naturally along the sides of the denture, applying gentle, stabilizing pressure.
Practicing exercises that strengthen and control these oral muscles can significantly improve long-term comfort and stability. Reading aloud is an excellent exercise, as it forces the wearer to enunciate words, which trains the tongue to move precisely without lifting the denture. Focusing on sounds that involve the tongue touching the front palate, like “s” and “t” sounds, helps the tongue find a stable resting position.
When eating, deliberate changes in technique minimize the chance of the denture tipping or moving. New wearers should start with soft foods cut into small pieces, gradually introducing firmer textures as muscle coordination improves. A crucial technique is bilateral chewing, which means placing food on both sides of the back teeth simultaneously. Chewing on both sides distributes the pressure evenly across the denture, preventing the appliance from rocking or dislodging.