Dentures are designed to replace natural teeth that have been lost over time. Whether your teeth were lost due to disease or trauma, dentures may be the only way to give you back the function of your teeth.
Dentures may be artificial, but they need to fit correctly for the wearer to speak, laugh, and chew properly.
However, many people experience dentures that are uncomfortable to wear. They may move around in the mouth or fall off the gums entirely.
If your dentures don’t fit right, keep reading. We’ll cover how to make your dentures fit better in this article.
Soon enough, your dentures will feel comfortable and will look great every time you smile!
Keep reading to learn how to make your dentures fit better!
Why Do My Dentures Feel Uncomfortable?
Dentures can feel uncomfortable for several reasons, though some are easier to fix than others.
We’ll cover the most common reasons why you may experience poorly fitting dentures below.
New Dentures
The first few days after getting new dentures should be a breeze.
You’re probably excited about finally having a set of teeth again, so it’s not surprising if you feel anxious during this period.
After all, you’ve had no teeth for quite some time now, and you’re eager to get them back.
However, as time goes on, you may find that your new dentures aren’t fitting well at all. Your mouth needs to get used to the sensation of wearing dentures, but this may take a while.
Dentures are designed to fit close to your gums, but this can lead to soreness in the gums and surrounding jaw area.
Once you first receive your dentures, schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to see if any adjustments are needed.
You can tell your dentist whether your dentures are causing pain or discomfort.
To help alleviate any discomfort you may feel when trying out your new dentures, try using a soft tissue conditioner before putting them in.
This product helps prevent the dentures from irritating your gums, making them less likely to slip out of place.
Loose Teeth
Some people who lose their teeth naturally have trouble finding dentures that fit perfectly.
If this describes you, then you may want to consider replacing your missing teeth with dental implants instead. Dental implants provide permanent support for replacement teeth.
While dental implants do require additional work, they also offer several benefits. For example, they won’t shift around like traditional dentures, and they won’t come loose like removable partial dentures.
In addition, they provide much greater stability than standard dentures.
If you decide to go with dental implants instead of dentures, you’ll need to visit a dental center regularly to ensure that everything stays put.
Your dentist will use special tools to tighten the jawbone where the implants sit. Once this procedure has healed, you can begin enjoying your new teeth.
Poorly Made Dentures
When it comes to dentures, quality matters. That’s because poor-quality dentures can lead to problems such as soreness, pain, and even infection.
Fortunately, you can avoid these issues by choosing high-quality dentures.
There are many things to think about when purchasing dentures. One important factor is whether or not your dentures will last.
While some dentures are designed to be replaced every two years, others can last 10 or 20 years.
The best way to determine how long your dentures will last is to talk to your dentist.
He or she can tell you what materials were used to create your dentures, and he or she can also give you advice on how to care for them.
Another thing to keep in mind when buying dentures is the cost. Some dentures are very expensive, but they’re worth the investment.
However, other dentures are cheap, but they don’t last as long. You should always look into the costs associated with different types of dentures before deciding which ones to buy.
How To Make Your Dentures Fit Better
We’ve covered some reasons why your dentures may fit poorly, so now we can get into the ways to make them feel more comfortable.
Using A Proper Adhesive
One of the most common causes of denture slippage is improper adhesive.
Each denture wearer will have a different favorite adhesive. If you notice trouble or slipping as you wear your dentures, try switching adhesives.
The solution may be as simple as switching from a strip to a gel, or it could involve changing brands altogether.
Try using a new adhesive for a week and see if you notice a difference.
Consistent Cleaning Routine
You might already know that regular cleaning is essential for keeping your mouth healthy. But did you know that proper cleaning also plays an important role in preventing denture slippage?
When you brush and floss your teeth, you remove food particles that can cause plaque buildup. This buildup can eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Gum disease can weaken your gums, making it harder for your dentures to stay in place.
To prevent this problem, brush, and floss after each meal, and don’t forget to clean under your tongue and behind your molars.
Also, make sure you clean your dentures at least once per day. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently scrub away any debris.
Forgetting To Soak Your Dentures
Dentures are designed to live within your mouth, so they need to stay moist. If you leave them out all day without soaking them, they can dry out.
This makes them dry and brittle, which can change their shape over time. This will increase their chances of falling out.
If you think your dentures have become misshapen, contact your dentist to see if this is the case. He or she can help you correct the issue.
Wearing Them Too Much
The gums and mouth will need to repair themselves once you remove your dentures, but this requires healing time. Dentures should only be worn for up to ten hours each day.
If you wear yours longer than this, your gums may become sore as your dentures keep rubbing against them.
You may also find that the adhesive becomes less sticky, causing your dentures to slip.
The solution for this issue is simple, as you just need to wear them less often. If you do need to wear your dentures for a longer period, take a break every so often.
Let your gums relax for an hour, soaking your dentures with a denture tab and warm water until you’re ready to wear them again.
Talk To Your Dentist
If you still aren’t getting the results you want from wearing your dentures, talk to your dentist about what else you can do.
They may recommend filling or re-lining your dentures or may suggest other solutions.
As mentioned above, you might want to research dental implants for a permanent alternative.
Just be sure to research the different types and benefits of implants to ensure they’re the right solution for you.
Conclusion
While there’s no way to eliminate denture problems, these tips can help you reduce the risk of denture slippages.
By being aware of the issues and knowing how to fix them, you’ll be able to enjoy your dentures for years to come.
The best thing denture wearers can do is to keep cleaning their dentures and keeping them moist.
However, if your poorly-fitting dentures are due to another reason, such as their fit, your dentist will be able to correct this for you.