The lower denture often presents a unique challenge because its stability relies primarily on resting on a narrow gum ridge. Unlike the upper denture, which benefits from suction from the palate, the lower prosthetic must contend with constant movement from the tongue and mouth muscles. Achieving a better fit means gaining stability, increasing comfort by reducing friction, and ensuring the prosthetic remains securely in place during speaking and eating. Relief involves understanding both immediate actions and long-term professional solutions available to restore a functional fit.
Quick Fixes Using Adhesives and Liners
When a denture feels loose, commercial adhesive products offer an immediate, temporary solution to improve retention and stability. Creams or pastes are applied in small, thin strips along the denture base to create a seal and cushion minor gaps. Avoid over-applying the cream, as excess material can squeeze out and become messy; use it only on a well-cleaned prosthetic.
Adhesive powders provide an alternative, often preferred by those who find creams too sticky. The powder is sprinkled lightly onto a wet denture surface, where saliva activates it to form a secure, even seal. For tender or irritated gums, soft liners or cushion pads offer both a temporary hold and padding. These strips are placed directly onto the denture base, providing a shock-absorbing buffer.
These over-the-counter aids increase confidence and function but are not a substitute for a properly fitting denture. They are intended for minor fit issues and should not be relied upon to stabilize a significantly loose prosthetic. Using large amounts of adhesive indicates the underlying fit problem needs professional attention.
Daily Habits That Affect Denture Fit
Routine care and daily habits strongly influence the longevity and current fit of a denture. Proper cleaning is important because plaque and calculus accumulation on the surface can subtly alter how it rests against the gum tissue. Using a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleanser daily removes this buildup, maintaining the fit and preventing oral infections.
Proper storage is equally important for preserving the acrylic material’s shape. Dentures should always be kept moist when not being worn, typically by submerging them in water or a soaking solution. Allowing the acrylic to dry out can cause it to warp slightly, resulting in an uncomfortable fit when reinserted.
Removing dentures overnight is a significant habit that benefits the underlying oral tissues. Taking the denture out allows the gum tissue and bony ridge beneath to rest from constant pressure, promoting circulation and health, which helps slow the natural process of bone resorption. Dietary adjustments are also beneficial, as excessively hard or sticky foods can place unnecessary strain on the prosthetic, leading to dislodgement or structural damage.
When Professional Intervention is Required
Even with diligent daily care, dentures eventually lose their snug fit because the jawbone naturally shrinks over time, a process called alveolar ridge resorption. This change means the denture base no longer accurately matches the gum tissue contour, leading to instability. When the fit is compromised but the denture is still in good condition, a professional reline is often the first step to restore stability.
Relining involves adding a new layer of acrylic material to the fitting surface to conform precisely to the mouth’s current shape. This procedure can use a soft, flexible material for sensitive gums or a hard, durable acrylic resin. A reline improves suction and comfort but is typically needed every one to three years as the bone continues to resorb.
A more extensive procedure, known as rebasing, is sometimes necessary when the denture’s entire pink acrylic base is structurally compromised, such as being cracked or excessively thin. Rebasing replaces the entire base material while preserving the original teeth, giving the prosthetic a new foundation. If the denture is heavily worn or damaged beyond repair, a complete replacement is required to ensure proper chewing and speech.
For the most stable and long-term solution, particularly with the difficult lower denture, dental implants are the preferred standard. This option involves surgically placing two or more titanium posts into the jawbone, which serve as secure anchors. The denture is fitted with special attachments, allowing it to snap firmly onto the implants.
Implant-supported lower dentures eliminate movement, greatly enhance biting force, and stimulate the jawbone to minimize further resorption. Clear signs that professional help is immediately needed include chronic mouth sores, persistent pain while chewing, or a noticeable clicking sound when the mouth moves.