If you’re missing multiple teeth due to an accident, illness, gum disease, or tooth decay, partial dentures can be the perfect cosmetic solution.
Unlike complete dentures, partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth rather than a complete portion of the mouth.
Although your dentures will be made specifically for your mouth, you may notice they’ve started to feel uncomfortable, loose, or painful. So, why are your partial dentures not fitting like they used to, and what can you do about it?
What Are Partial Dentures?
If you’re missing several teeth but not an entire lower or upper set, you may be offered partial dentures. To be eligible for partial dentures, you must have several healthy teeth remaining in the affected part of the mouth.
These removable dentures will replace multiple missing teeth. As well as improving the appearance of your mouth, they can also improve your ability to chew and speak.
Your partial dentures are not designed for all-day wear. You’ll usually be advised to remove your partial dentures at night to clean them.
Partial Dentures Vs. Complete Dentures
The differences between partial and complete dentures are simple – partial dentures replace several missing teeth and leave behind healthy, natural teeth in the affected part of the mouth.
Complete dentures will replace all of your teeth. This could be in the upper or lower part of your mouth or both.
Both partial and complete dentures provide a natural appearance. They’re also easy to fit into your mouth. Complete dentures are usually placed over your gums and held in place by suction.
Partial dentures will fit only in the gaps where you’re missing your natural teeth, and they tend to clip to the adjacent teeth surrounding each gap.
Why Don’t Your Partial Dentures Fit?
Your dentures are made specifically for you. They’ll be designed from molds taken from your mouth, and they’ll be expertly fitted by your dentist.
So, if your partial dentures are feeling too loose, too tight, or generally uncomfortable, this can be a frustrating experience. If your dentures are made to the shape of your mouth, why don’t they fit?
There are a few reasons why your partial dentures don’t fit correctly.
You Have New Dentures
If your partial dentures are brand new, it may take a while for your mouth to adjust. Your partial dentures are meant to sit tightly against your gums, so while your mouth adjusts, you may feel some discomfort in your jaw or gums.
Once you’ve received your partial dentures, you’ll usually attend a follow-up appointment with your dentists to assess the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
During your appointment, make your dentist aware of your discomfort so they can make the appropriate changes.
Your Jaw Or Gum Structure Has Changed
Our jaw and gum structure can change with time. If you’ve had your partial dentures for a while, you may start to notice them slipping out of your mouth more often when you’re talking or eating.
If this happens, you may need to ask your dentist to adjust the fit of your dentures. If the change is drastic, you may need a new set of dentures.
Your Dentures Are Old And Worn
If you’ve been wearing your partial dentures for more than ten years, they’re probably overdue for a replacement.
Dentures tend to wear down quicker than natural teeth, and as time goes on, they may start to lose their structure. Even if you care for your dentures correctly, they’ll still need to be replaced at least once in your lifetime.
How To Make Your Partial Dentures Fit Properly
If your poorly fitting dentures are becoming impractical, sore, or uncomfortable, it’s time to make a change. There are a few things you can do yourself to improve the fit, but sometimes, you may need the help of a dentist.
Denture Reline
Your dentist may need to add a new layer of material to the bottom of your dentures. This layer will work with the natural contours of your mouth and gum line, so your dentures can fit properly again.
Maintenance
Although caring for your dentures and maintaining them won’t improve their fit overnight, it will prevent them from breaking, warping, or changing shape. To keep your partial dentures in good condition, you should be doing the following:
- Soak them overnight
- Clean them at least twice a day, just as you would with your healthy teeth
- Never wear them to sleep
There are also a few things you should be avoiding, such as:
- Soaking your partial in hot water (this can warp your denture)
- Whitening toothpaste
Cleaning your partial dentures every day and taking them out at night are two of the best things you can do to maintain your partial dentures. Your gum tissues need time to rest –
Denture Adhesive
Denture adhesives are any form of powder, paste, or adhesive that’s designed to keep your dentures in place. These products are usually water-soluble and non-toxic, and you can apply them at home.
If your partial dentures feel loose in your mouth, denture adhesive can improve their fit. Denture adhesives can be bought over-the-counter.
However, denture adhesives are only a short-term solution. They can increase the stability of your dentures for up to two months (depending on the product).
However, if your dentures need a readjustment to improve their stability, it’s worth talking to a dentist.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve lost multiple teeth due to an injury, gum disease, or tooth decay, it’s easy to feel self-conscious about your appearance. Thankfully, partial or complete dentures can ease your insecurities and improve your bite.
If your partial dentures are starting to feel loose or uncomfortable, there are a few things you can do to improve their fit. However, these tend to be short-term solutions.
If your ill-fitting dentures are disrupting your life, it’s worth consulting a dentist for more advice.