Dentures, whether full or partial, are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing natural teeth. Their primary function is to restore the ability to chew food effectively and maintain the natural appearance of the face. By filling the gaps left by tooth loss, these devices help maintain the structural integrity of the mouth and jaw. Consistent wear is necessary for the long-term health and stability of the entire oral structure.
Accelerated Bone Resorption and Gum Changes
The absence of natural tooth roots removes the biomechanical stimulus necessary to maintain the underlying jawbone, a process called bone resorption. This bone, known as the alveolar ridge, begins to atrophy because the body no longer receives signals that the bone is needed to anchor teeth. Without the pressure from chewing, the jawbone can shrink significantly, with some studies estimating a loss of up to 25% of its width within the first year after tooth extraction.
When a denture is not worn, the underlying bone continues to deteriorate at an accelerated rate due to the lack of functional load. Without the support structure of the denture, the atrophy of the bone progresses unchecked, leading to a substantial reduction in the height and density of the alveolar ridge over time.
As the underlying bone structure recedes, the soft tissue of the gums is no longer supported and begins to change shape. The gums may become thinner, more prone to irritation, and misshapen as they conform to the shrinking bony ridge. This lack of consistent pressure also makes the exposed gum tissue more susceptible to injury and inflammation. The changing contours of the gums and bone will eventually make the original denture appliance impossible to wear comfortably.
Impaired Mastication and Speech
One of the most immediate consequences of not wearing a denture is the severe impairment of the chewing process, known as mastication. Dentures are engineered to distribute the force of biting and grinding food, allowing for efficient breakdown before swallowing. Without this prosthetic, the ability to properly chew is drastically reduced, often leading to individuals choosing softer, less varied foods.
This restricted diet can create an imbalance in nutrient intake, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies over time. Avoiding foods that require thorough chewing often means missing items rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, improperly chewed food places a greater burden on the digestive system.
The functionality of clear speech is heavily dependent on the presence of a full arch of teeth. Dentures provide the necessary hard surfaces and spatial positioning for the tongue and lips to form specific sounds, particularly fricatives like ‘s’ and ‘f’. The empty spaces resulting from non-wear can cause the tongue to position itself incorrectly during articulation. This often results in speech impediments such as lisping, slurring, or whistling, which can affect communication and social confidence.
Consequences for Remaining Teeth and Future Prosthesis Fit
For individuals with partial dentures, failing to wear the appliance can have detrimental effects on the remaining natural teeth. These remaining teeth rely on the partial denture to maintain their proper alignment and to distribute chewing forces evenly across the arch. When the prosthetic is left out, the adjacent natural teeth begin to drift, tilt, or shift into the vacant spaces.
This movement compromises the patient’s natural bite, or occlusion, leading to complex dental problems and uneven wear on the remaining tooth surfaces. The shifting creates new gaps and angles that are difficult to clean, significantly increasing the risk of plaque accumulation, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
The prolonged bone resorption resulting from non-wear also creates severe problems for fitting any future prostheses. As the alveolar ridge shrinks, the original denture becomes progressively loose, unstable, and prone to rocking. The severe reduction in jawbone volume makes it incredibly difficult to fabricate a new, stable denture. In cases of advanced bone loss, achieving a proper fit may require surgical procedures like bone grafting to rebuild the ridge. This extensive bone loss can also lead to a noticeable change in facial aesthetics, causing the lower third of the face to take on a sunken appearance.