Denture Problems and Solutions
Check our handy chart for solutions to some common denture problems and read about the solutions that may help you.
Problem: I have pain while wearing my dentures
Denture pain can have many causes. The pain usually stems from dentures that no longer fit correctly, either due to jawbone shrinkage after tooth extraction, or the same denture being worn for over 5 years. When you wear your dentures for this long without alterations, the denture will become loose and shift around in your mouth, causing friction and pain.
Potential Solution: Relining your dentures may enhance the comfort of your current dentures. If you’ve had the same dentures for over 5 years, maybe it is time for a new set.
Problem: My dentures are loose
Over time, dentures can become loose because of changes in your mouth. Your jawbone or soft tissue may shrink. This can happen most often in patients with complete lower dentures. Partial dentures may loosen up if the adjusted clasps distort over time.
Potential Solution: Permanent dental implants can improve denture retention. With implants, the denture snaps into place and remains seated during all functions (chewing, singing, biting, etc.) Sometimes, a simple relining can improve fit and stop dentures from slipping.
Problem: I’m having trouble pronouncing my words clearly, or I’m whistling when I talk.
Shifting dentures are usually the culprit with speech issues. If the denture is not in the correct position when you are talking, your tongue and cheeks must try to control the dentures. This can interfere with clear speech. Over the years of wearing your dentures, the teeth will wear which will cause speech imperfections.
Potential Solution 1: Using a denture adhesive can help. If this doesn’t work, your dentures may benefit from being relined, rebased, or even replaced. We may recommend dental implants depending on the denturist’s assessment. This may include the manufacture of new dentures to attach to the implants.
Potential Solution 2: If you have been wearing your dentures for over 10 years, the teeth are likely worn down. Spaces may become a problem between the teeth and these spaces can prevent clear speech and create whistling. If this is the case, you may need new dentures, either with or without implants.
Problem: It is difficult to chew some foods
Inadequate chewing may be because of a misalignment of your upper and lower dentures. Some foods may never be ‘easy-to-chew’, but if your dentures are not oriented to the soft tissues of your mouth and gums, or they are not aligned with each other or your natural teeth, the problem will increase.
Potential Solution: only a dental professional can assess what the best solution for your particular chewing problem is.
Problem: My breath is bad when I wear my dentures
Dentures are porous, so bacteria can develop at some point. Soaking in denture cleaner helps to keep this from happening, but eventually, it cannot keep the odor away.
Potential Solution: If the teeth portion of the dentures is in good condition, a rebasing may be all that is required to solve the odor issue. If not, then it is probably time to replace your dentures.
Problem: The corners of my mouth are cracking and/or getting sore
If your teeth are wearing down, your lips may not be sealing together properly. When your teeth become closer together, the mouth can ‘over-close’ and cause excess saliva to sit at the corners of your mouth. This can cause irritation or even a candida (fungal) infection. Soreness can also be from a vitamin deficiency.
Potential Solution: Replace dentures to restore proper positioning of the teeth so the mouth closes properly. Visit a denturist for a professional assessment.
Problem: My mouth is irritated from my new dentures
New dentures can cause some minor irritation when eating. Once the dentures settle in, the acrylic surface presses on the soft tissues in the mouth and gums.
Potential Solution: Mention the discomfort to your denturist at your follow-up appointment so they can make adjustments to your dentures to help relieve pressure and make your dentures more comfortable. Keep in mind that it may take a few appointments before your dentures are comfortable. Remember to make an appointment as soon as possible if any pain is persistent.
Problem: I can’t eat with my dentures in
If your new dentures are not comfortable or stable enough to eat with, they may not be adhering well. If this is the case, you may experience an increase in indigestion and even weight gain because your food is not being chewed properly.
Potential Solution: Dental implants can ensure a proper fit and provide the stability necessary to eat and chew food properly. The combination of dentures and dental implants provides the closest approximation to natural teeth. With dental implants, you can enjoy all kinds of food, not just the ones that are easy to chew.
