Why Doesn’t My Denture Fit Like it Used To?

A denture is used to replace missing teeth. It is made up of false teeth set into a base that is made to look like gums and jawbone. A denture is custom-made to fit your mouth. Over time, the jawbone and gums will shrink, causing the denture to become loose.

How Dentures Work

Your jaw naturally changes shape over time, which throws off the fit of your denture. However, your denture can also be worn out or ill-fitting due to your natural bone structure changing significantly over the years as well. When it comes to replacing missing or damaged teeth, your jawbone also needs something to hold onto, as the root of the tooth would perform this holding function. If the gums have healed properly and the jawbone has filled in with any bone material that was used during the procedure, then your jawbone will be roughly the same size and shape as it was before the procedure. Bones tend to change shape and size slowly throughout our lives, so if your bone structure is irregular, then so will the fit of your denture. The same can be said for your gums, which change in size as you age. Our dentists can help you improve how your denture fits with professional reline services.

By getting your regular dental checkups, you can ensure that any potential problems are identified early on and that you can stay healthier for longer. 

What Causes Dentures to Slip

The most common cause of dentures slipping is a mouth that has changed shape over time due to age. This can cause dentures to become loose and ill-fitting.

Other causes of denture slippage can include:

• Dentures not fitting well in the first place
• Poorly fitted or poorly designed partials
• Mouth sores caused by ill-fitting dentures

Over time, the jawbone changes shape and shrinks. Since the shape of the jaw affects the fit of the denture, as bone volume decreases, so does your retention and stability. As a result, it may become difficult to chew and speak properly with a damaged denture and one that does not fit properly. In this case, there are a few options available to help restore your stability and improve your quality of life.

When dentures need an upgrade, we completely reline them to allow for a better fit. We also assess whether your current dentures are the right type and fit for your mouth and help determine whether a case for implant-supported dentures will be the most effective solution for your needs. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine why your dentures aren’t fitting the way they used to and how to make them work better for you.

To learn more, contact Healthy Smiles of Saint Louis at 4224 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63109, or call (314) 832-1366.