Ill-Fitting Dentures

Ill-fitting dentures have about four dentist-related remedies and two patient-related ones.

Let's look at the latter category first:

When patients experience loose dentures, they typically try an adhesive to stabilize them.  The use of adhesives for well-fitting dentures is generally not a problem.  Even a perfectly made denture can dislodge under certain circumstances.  Sneezing, for example, can cause a denture to come loose.  The added security provided by an adhesive gives people confidence that they won't experience an embarrasing moment.  

The second patient-remedy for a poor fit, is that many people simply stop wearing them -- especially the lower denture.

As one might imagine, its not much of a solution.

On the dentist's side, here are the most common remedies:

1. Adjustment:  If an irritation is minor, this may be the simplest appropriate solution.
2. Reline: When a denture is still in good condition, but your mouth has changed -- as can occur even with losing or gaining weight -- it can often be re-fitted to the current shape of your palate or lower ridge.
3. Re-make:  Sometimes, the best solution is a new set of dentures.  Too many adjustments, relines or repairs can so compromise the fit that it opens the door to new problems.  Unfortunately, many people hold on to old dentures like an old pair of shoes.  You can read our blog post about why this can be a problem by CLICKING HERE.
4. Implants: A loose lower denture can be secured to either two conventional implants or four mini-implants.  You will typically require an evaluation to determine which is right for you.  Many patients have considered this procedure to be a "life-changer" for them, transforming a set of dentures that simply could not be worn because of inadequate support, to comfortable, retentive dentures that allow for eating, speaking and good appearance.