Partial dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and restore smile function. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored base, often with clasps that secure them to existing natural teeth. While effective, many wearers experience their denture moving or slipping, particularly during eating. This movement can lead to discomfort, difficulty chewing, and embarrassment. Understanding the reasons and addressing this issue is important for oral health and quality of life.
Common Reasons for Movement
Several factors can cause a partial denture to move or feel loose when eating. The denture’s fit relies on the oral structures it rests upon. Over time, changes in the mouth can alter this fit, leading to instability.
Changes in oral anatomy are a common reason for denture movement. After tooth loss, the jawbone undergoes resorption, shrinking in size and density due to lack of stimulation. This bone loss alters the jaw and gum shape, loosening a once-snug denture. Gum recession and shifting natural teeth also impact the denture’s foundation.
Denture wear and tear also contribute to movement. Materials can degrade, and clasps may lose retention. Fractures or damaged areas on the denture’s framework can reduce stability. A bent or distorted framework can also cause shifting.
An improper initial fit can also lead to movement. If a partial denture was not molded or adjusted correctly from the outset, it can cause discomfort and make chewing difficult.
Food consistency and chewing habits influence denture stability. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can dislodge a partial denture. Uneven chewing pressure, such as favoring one side, can cause the denture to tip or rock, leading to movement and discomfort.
Immediate Steps for Stability
If a partial denture moves during eating, immediate, temporary measures can improve stability before a dental visit. These strategies focus on enhancing retention and modifying eating habits.
Denture adhesives provide a temporary solution by improving stability. They come in various forms, including creams, powders, and strips. Applying them as directed can help create a stronger hold.
Careful eating habits also help manage denture movement. Cutting food into smaller, bite-sized pieces reduces chewing force. Chewing slowly and distributing pressure evenly across both sides of the mouth prevents dislodging and minimizes strain. Initially, focus on softer foods and gradually introduce harder textures.
Check for trapped food particles beneath the denture before and after eating. Rinsing the denture with warm water after meals removes debris that could cause instability or irritation. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including cleaning gums and remaining natural teeth, supports overall oral health and denture stability.
Professional Interventions
When a partial denture consistently moves, professional dental intervention provides a lasting solution. A dentist can assess the denture’s fit and condition, recommending appropriate procedures.
Relining or Rebasing
Denture relining or rebasing are common interventions. A reline resurfaces the internal portion of the denture base to improve its fit against changing gum and jawbone contours. This procedure is suitable when the denture’s teeth are still good but the base no longer fits due to oral changes. Rebasing, a more extensive procedure, replaces the entire denture base while preserving existing artificial teeth, typically if the base is significantly damaged or weakened.
Adjustments
A dental professional can tighten or modify the metal clasps that hold the partial denture to natural teeth, restoring their grip. If the denture’s framework is bent or distorted, a dentist can make corrections for a more precise fit.
New Denture Fabrication
If the existing partial denture is extensively damaged, ill-fitting, or beyond repair, fabricating a new one may be the most appropriate solution. New impressions ensure the denture provides an optimal and stable fit.
Dental Implants
For enhanced stability, dental implants can support partial dentures. Implants are small, screw-like posts surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. The partial denture can then snap onto these implants, providing superior retention and significantly reducing movement compared to traditional removable partial dentures. This option helps preserve jawbone density, as implants stimulate the bone, which is not achieved with conventional dentures.
Long-Term Care and Prevention
Maintaining partial denture stability and preventing future movement requires consistent long-term care. Regular professional oversight combined with at-home practices can extend the denture’s life and effectiveness.
Regular dental check-ups are beneficial for denture wearers, even for those without natural teeth. These appointments allow the dentist to assess the denture’s fit, check for oral health concerns like gum irritation or bone loss, and make timely adjustments. Dentists can also professionally clean dentures and advise on proper home care practices.
Proper denture cleaning and storage maintain the appliance’s integrity. Dentures should be cleaned daily using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleanser to remove plaque and food debris. When not in use, partial dentures should be stored in water or a denture cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out, warping, or becoming brittle. Avoiding hot water for cleaning or storage is advisable, as it can cause warping.
Monitor oral changes and promptly report any concerns to your dentist. This includes noticing changes in the fit of the denture, persistent sore spots, or alterations in the gums or remaining natural teeth. Early detection of issues can prevent them from escalating and compromising denture stability.
Avoiding damaging habits contributes to long-term denture stability. This includes refraining from clenching or grinding teeth, which can put excessive stress on the denture and remaining natural teeth. Additionally, using the denture solely for eating and speaking, rather than for purposes like opening packages, helps prevent damage and wear that could lead to instability.