Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. While they can restore a person’s smile and ability to chew, it is common for wearers to experience their dentures becoming loose over time. Understanding why this happens and what can be done is important for maintaining comfort and oral health.
Primary Reasons for Looseness
A primary reason dentures become loose is bone resorption, where the jawbone gradually shrinks after teeth are lost. Without tooth root stimulation, the jawbone loses density, changing the gum ridge shape that supports the denture. Bone loss can be significant, especially in the lower jaw, and pronounced in the first few months. Soft tissues and gums also change due to aging, weight fluctuations, or overall oral health, altering the denture’s fit. Dentures themselves also contribute to looseness through daily wear and tear; materials can wear down, warp, or sustain minor damage from chewing and cleaning, affecting their precision fit.
Consequences of Loose Dentures
Ill-fitting dentures can lead to several problems, impacting both physical comfort and daily activities. Difficulty with eating and chewing is a significant consequence, as loose dentures make it challenging to bite and process food, potentially leading to dietary restrictions. They can also impair speech, causing pronunciation difficulties or slurring as the appliance shifts. Friction creates pressure points on the gums, resulting in irritation, painful sores, and ulcers, and chronic irritation can increase the risk of oral health issues, including inflammation and infections. Beyond physical discomfort, loose dentures can reduce confidence and have social implications, making individuals reluctant to speak or eat in public.
Solutions for Loose Dentures
When dentures become loose, several solutions are available, from temporary measures to permanent professional interventions. Denture adhesives can provide a short-term fix, holding the appliance more securely and improving comfort, but they are not a substitute for professional dental care. A dentist or prosthodontist can assess the fit and recommend adjustments like relining, where new material (hard or soft) is added to the denture base, or rebasing, which replaces the entire base while preserving original teeth. In cases of significant oral changes or irreparable damage, a completely new set of dentures may be necessary, as dentures typically last 7 to 10 years. For enhanced stability, implant-supported dentures offer a stable, long-term solution by attaching to dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a secure anchor that prevents slipping and helps preserve jawbone density.
Maintaining Denture Fit and Oral Health
Maintaining denture fit and oral health involves consistent proactive measures. Regular dental check-ups are important, even for those with no natural teeth, allowing a dentist to monitor denture fit, assess oral tissues for issues like gum disease or oral cancer, and make adjustments. Proper denture cleaning and care are essential: brush daily with a non-abrasive cleanser and soft-bristled brush to remove food particles and plaque, and soak overnight in water or a cleaning solution to maintain shape and disinfect. It is also important to clean the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth daily with a soft toothbrush or gauze to remove bacteria and promote circulation. Removing dentures at night also gives gum tissues a rest from constant pressure, and a balanced diet supports healthy gums and jawbone, which are important for denture stability.