It is recommend that you get new dentures at least every 5 years, however if your dentures don’t fit correctly you may need to get them changed much sooner to avoid long-term problems with your gums and oral health.
Are you unsure if your denture fit is correct? Take a look at some of these signs that your dentures aren’t fitting properly- and the solutions we can provide.
1. Dentures feel loose and slip around the mouth
When you lose your natural teeth, a process called bone resorption occurs where the bone that once held your teeth in place reduces. As this process continues the fit of your denture may become loose, causing them to move or make a clacking sound during normal use- such as chewing. Your dentures should feel secure in your mouth, allowing you to eat and speak confidently. Your dentures should sit comfortably and firmly in your mouth. They shouldn’t slip around during everyday tasks, such as talking or eating. If your dentures are beginning to feel loose or making a clacking sound while you chew you may wish to visit your denturist to avoid any further issues your loose dentures may cause.
2. Swelling, sores, or redness in the mouth
Swelling and redness in the mouth is often due too loose or ill-fitted dentures rubbing against the gums. The prolonged friction caused by ill-fitting dentures can lead to painful sores in the mouth, even when you’re not wearing your dentures. It is important to seek professional advice if you notice soreness, swelling or redness in your mouth as a result of your dentures. If not addressed this can lead to further oral health issues and discomfort.
3. Oral infections
Loose dentures can create a gap between the dentures and the gum. Without a tight seal around the gums, food and bacteria can get into the gap causing infections. If you’re experiencing frequent oral infections, we recommend toughly cleaning your dentures. You should have a regular dental check-up with your dentures to ensure you are maintaining good oral health.
If the infections persist it could be down to the fit of your denture. In this case it may be necessary to have the fit of your dentures adjusted, or to get new dentures.
4. Discomfort while eating
Although some difficulty is expected when eating certain food types with dentures, you should not experience discomfort regularly while eating. Chewing with poorly-fitting dentures means your gums will need to work harder and endure more pressure to break down your food. This can cause sever discomfort. Although you may experience some discomfort within the first few weeks, well-fitting dentures should not require any extra effort to complete regular tasks like chewing and speaking.
5. Dentures breaking during normal use
Poor-fitting dentures can lead to breakages. Although dentures are incredibly durable, the pressure from chewing and speaking in ill-fitting dentures is not distributed evenly throughout your mouth. This can lead to excessive pressure being put on the dentures, causing it to break. If your dentures break it is important not to attempt to fix them yourself, as this may further affect the fit of the dentures. Visit your Denture Technician as soon as possible to have them repaired.
If your ill-fitting dentures have broken it is likely due to uneven pressure caused by daily tasks. There are many reasons for dentures to break however.
A change in the fit of your dentures over time is normal and to be expected. You may need to get new dentures or, in many cases, simply have your dentures relined. We recommend that you come to see us at any one of our denture clinics in Nottingham, Newark and Mansfield for a free denture consultation to assess your options and decide where to go next.
If you think you need a denture repair, contact us by calling 0115 941 7052 for an informal chat to assess your options and decide where to go next.