What to Do If Your Dentures Don't Fit Properly

Smile Stop Dentures and Implants
2 days ago
7 min read

A person holds a set of partial dentures with pink gums and white teeth in hand, set against a blurred neutral background. — Smile Stop Dentures & Implants on What to Do If Your Dentures Don't Fit Properly

For many people, a dental appliance is a life-changing solution to tooth loss, restoring the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. However, what happens when those oral prosthetics, which were once a perfect fit, start to feel loose, uncomfortable, or even painful? An improper fit is a common issue that many wearers experience at some point.

It’s not just a minor annoyance; an ill-fitting oral appliance can lead to a host of problems, from mouth sores and irritation to difficulty eating and speaking. If you’re struggling with a dental prosthetic that doesn’t seem to fit right, know that you’re not alone and that there are effective solutions available.

At Smile Stop Dentures & Implants, we understand how important a comfortable and secure set of replacement teeth is to your overall well-being. This guide is designed to help you understand the signs of an improper fit, the potential health problems it can cause, and the steps you can take to address the issue.

We’ll explore both temporary solutions you can try at home and the professional treatments that can provide a long-term fix. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of when it’s time to consult a dental professional to get your smile back on track.

Signs That Your Dentures May Not Be Fitting Properly

Recognizing the signs of an ill-fitting dental prosthetic is the first step toward finding a solution. While some changes in fit are normal, especially with a new appliance, persistent discomfort or noticeable issues are a clear indication that an adjustment is needed. Here are some of the most common signs that your oral appliance may not be fitting as it should:

Slipping and Movement:

One of the most obvious signs of a poor fit is when your false teeth slip or move around in your mouth. This can happen when you’re eating, speaking, or even just smiling. You might find yourself constantly repositioning your oral appliance with your tongue or feeling like it’s about to fall out. This not only causes embarrassment but can also interfere with your daily activities.

Pain and Discomfort:

Your replacement teeth should never cause persistent pain. If you’re experiencing soreness, tenderness, or sharp pain in your gums, it’s a strong indicator that your oral prosthetic is not fitting correctly. This pain can be caused by uneven pressure on your gums or by the appliance rubbing against certain areas of your mouth.

Mouth Sores and Blisters:

When a dental appliance rubs against the soft tissues of your mouth, it can cause painful sores, blisters, and raw spots. These can make it difficult to wear your oral prosthetic and can increase the risk of infection if left untreated.

Difficulty Eating:

While there’s always an adjustment period with a new oral appliance, you should eventually be able to eat a wide variety of foods with confidence. If you’re still struggling to chew your food properly or if you’re experiencing pain while eating, it’s a sign that your replacement teeth are not providing the stable support you need.

Changes in Speech:

Your oral appliance plays a crucial role in your ability to speak clearly. If you notice that you’re lisping, slurring your words, or making a clicking sound when you talk, it could be due to a poor fit. These speech changes can be both frustrating and embarrassing.

Bad Breath or an Unpleasant Taste:

An ill-fitting dental prosthetic can create small gaps where food particles can become trapped. This can lead to the growth of bacteria, resulting in persistent bad breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, even with regular cleaning.

Gagging:

In some cases, an ill-fitting oral appliance, particularly an upper one, can extend too far back on the palate, triggering your gag reflex. This can make wearing your false teeth extremely uncomfortable.

The Health Consequences of Ignoring a Poor Fit

While the immediate discomfort of an ill-fitting dental appliance is a significant concern, it’s important to understand that ignoring the problem can lead to more serious health issues. A poor fit is not just a matter of convenience; it can have a lasting impact on your oral and overall health. Here are some of the potential health consequences of living with an ill-fitting oral prosthetic:

Gum Disease and Infection: The constant rubbing and pressure from an ill-fitting oral appliance can cause chronic irritation to your gums. This can lead to inflammation, which, if left untreated, can progress to gum disease. Open sores and blisters in your mouth also create an entry point for bacteria, increasing your risk of infection.

Nutritional Deficiencies: When eating is a painful and difficult experience, you’re more likely to avoid certain foods, especially those that are hard or chewy. This can lead to a limited diet that lacks essential nutrients, potentially resulting in nutritional deficiencies and a decline in your overall health.

Headaches and Ear Pain: The jaw and facial muscles are all interconnected. When your oral appliance doesn’t fit properly, it can cause an imbalance in your bite, leading to strain on your jaw joint (TMJ). This strain can manifest as chronic headaches, ear pain, and even neck and shoulder pain.

Changes in Facial Structure:

Your replacement teeth play a role in supporting your facial muscles. When they don’t fit correctly, it can lead to a sunken facial appearance, making you look older than you are. Over time, the bone in your jaw can also begin to shrink, further altering your facial structure.

Oral Cancer Risk:

While rare, chronic irritation from an ill-fitting dental prosthetic has been identified as a potential risk factor for developing oral cancer. The constant inflammation and cell turnover in the irritated areas can, in some cases, lead to the development of abnormal cells.

What to Do When Your Dentures Don't Fit: Solutions and Relief

If you’re experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of an ill-fitting dental prosthetic, it’s crucial to take action. The good news is that there are several effective solutions available to help you find relief and restore the comfort and function of your oral appliance. These solutions range from simple at-home care to professional adjustments and treatments.

At-Home Care and Temporary Solutions

While it’s always best to consult a dental professional for a long-term solution, there are a few things you can do at home to manage the discomfort in the short term:

Use a Denture Adhesive:

A quality adhesive can provide a temporary fix by helping to hold your oral appliance in place and prevent it from slipping. This can be especially helpful when you’re waiting for a dental appointment. However, it’s important to remember that this is not a permanent solution and should not be used to compensate for a poor fit long-term.

Adjust Your Diet:

If you’re experiencing pain or difficulty eating, try sticking to soft foods that are easy to chew. Cut your food into small, manageable pieces and try to chew on both sides of your mouth to distribute the pressure evenly.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene:

Keeping your mouth and your oral appliance clean is essential, especially when you’re dealing with a poor fit. Be sure to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth daily to remove plaque and stimulate circulation. Clean your false teeth thoroughly every day to remove food particles and bacteria.

Professional Solutions for a Lasting Fit

For a long-term solution to an ill-fitting dental prosthetic, it’s essential to see a dental professional. They have the expertise to identify the cause of the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Here are some of the professional solutions that may be recommended:

Appliance Adjustment:

In many cases, a simple adjustment is all that’s needed to improve the fit of your oral appliance. Your dentist can make small modifications to the prosthetic to relieve pressure points and ensure a more even fit.

Reline:

Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone can change, causing your oral appliance to become loose. A reline involves adding new material to the inside of the prosthetic to create a new, more accurate fit. This is a common procedure that can significantly improve the comfort and stability of your false teeth.

Rebase:

If the base of your oral appliance is worn or damaged, a rebase may be necessary. This involves replacing the entire acrylic base of the prosthetic while keeping the existing teeth.

New Oral Appliance:

In some cases, your old oral appliance may be beyond repair, or your mouth may have changed so significantly that a new set of replacement teeth is the best option. Your dentist can take new impressions of your mouth to create a custom-fit prosthetic that will provide you with the comfort and function you need.

Don’t Suffer in Silence: When to See Your Dentist

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to live with the discomfort and frustration of an ill-fitting dental appliance. If you’re experiencing any of the issues we’ve discussed, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can assess the fit of your oral prosthetic, identify the underlying cause of the problem, and recommend the best course of action.

At Smile Stop Dentures & Implants, we are committed to helping our patients enjoy the full benefits of comfortable, well-fitting replacement teeth. Our experienced team can provide you with a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Whether you need a simple adjustment, a reline, or a new set of false teeth, we are here to help you regain your confidence and your smile.

Don’t let an ill-fitting oral appliance compromise your quality of life. Contact Smile Stop Dentures & Implants today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more comfortable and confident you.