Dentures are designed to restore function and aesthetics, allowing individuals to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. However, even the best-fitting dentures may require adjustments over time. It’s essential to identify the signs that indicate your dentures need adjustment to ensure comfort, functionality, and oral health. Grishin Denture Specialist, located in Spokane, WA, offers professional solutions to restore the optimal fit of dentures and improve patients' quality of life.
Why Denture Fit Changes Over Time
Dentures do not remain a perfect fit forever. Several factors can contribute to the need for adjustment:
Natural Bone Resorption: Over time, the jawbone that supports the dentures may shrink. This is a natural process called resorption, which occurs because dentures do not stimulate the jawbone as natural teeth do.
Tissue Changes: The soft tissues in your mouth, such as gums, may change in size and shape due to age, weight loss, or medical conditions. This can cause your dentures to become loose or ill-fitting.
Wear and Tear: Dentures, like any other dental appliance, are subject to wear and tear. Over time, the surfaces of your dentures can wear down, leading to a misalignment of the bite and a less secure fit.
Key Signs Your Dentures Need Adjustment
If your dentures are no longer fitting as they should, you may experience various issues. Here are some key signs that it's time to consider an adjustment or refitting:
1. Discomfort or Pain
Pain is one of the most immediate indicators that your dentures are not fitting properly. You may feel soreness or pressure on certain areas of your gums, or even blisters and sores. This discomfort often stems from excessive friction or pressure caused by ill-fitting dentures.
Common Issues:
Localized Soreness: If you notice sore spots, particularly on your gums, it may indicate that your dentures are pressing too hard in certain areas.
Jaw Pain: An uneven bite caused by poorly fitting dentures can strain the muscles in your jaw, leading to pain and discomfort.
2. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
Well-fitting dentures should allow you to eat and speak naturally. However, if you find that you are struggling to chew food or slurring your speech, this may indicate a problem.
Signs to Watch For:
Chewing Discomfort: You might avoid certain foods, especially those that require biting or chewing, because your dentures feel unstable or cause pain.
Speech Problems: Difficulty pronouncing certain words, or a noticeable lisp, may suggest that your dentures are shifting or moving while you talk.
3. Denture Slippage
One of the most common signs of an ill-fitting denture is when it slips or moves unexpectedly. Well-fitting dentures should stay in place without the need for constant adjustment.
Possible Causes:
Loose Fit: Over time, your dentures may become loose due to changes in the shape of your jaw and gums, leading to slippage, especially while eating or talking.
Adhesive Overuse: If you find yourself relying heavily on denture adhesive to keep your dentures in place, it’s a sign that they need adjustment.
4. Clicking Noises When Speaking
Dentures that are slightly loose may make a clicking sound when you speak. This happens because the dentures are shifting as you move your mouth. Such movement not only affects your speech but can also be embarrassing.
5. Changes in Facial Appearance
Properly fitted dentures support your facial muscles, particularly around the cheeks and lips. If your dentures no longer fit correctly, you may notice changes in the way your face looks.
Notable Changes:
Sunken Appearance: Ill-fitting dentures may fail to provide adequate support, leading to a sunken or hollow look in your cheeks.
Lip and Jaw Misalignment: Shifts in your dentures can affect the alignment of your lips and jaw, giving your face a crooked appearance.
How Denture Adjustments Work
If you are experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your denturist. Here’s what you can expect during a denture adjustment:
Denture Relining: This procedure involves adding material to the base of the dentures to make them fit more securely. There are two types: soft relining, which is more comfortable and typically used for those with sensitive gums, and hard relining, which lasts longer and is made from more durable materials.
Denture Rebase: In cases where the denture teeth are still in good condition, but the base has worn out, a rebase may be recommended. This process replaces the entire base of the denture while keeping the existing teeth intact.
Denture Adjustment: Minor adjustments may involve trimming or reshaping the denture to reduce sore spots and enhance comfort.
The Risks of Ignoring Ill-Fitting Dentures
Ignoring denture fit problems can lead to more severe issues beyond discomfort and inconvenience. Some of the potential risks include:
Gum Infections: Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation, leading to sores and ulcers on the gums. If left untreated, these sores can become infected, resulting in further complications.
Bone Loss Acceleration: Poorly fitting dentures that are constantly shifting can accelerate jawbone resorption. The movement places pressure on the bone, leading to faster deterioration.
Malnutrition: Difficulty chewing can lead to poor dietary choices, which in turn may result in malnutrition, particularly in older adults.
When to Consider Denture Replacement
While adjustments and relining can solve many fit issues, there are times when a complete denture replacement is necessary. Dentures typically last between 5 to 10 years, depending on how well they are maintained. If your dentures are more than five years old or have sustained significant wear, replacing them may be a better option than frequent adjustments.
New advances in denture technology, such as implant-supported dentures, provide more stability and prevent some of the common issues associated with traditional dentures. If you are considering replacement, it’s worth discussing these options with your denturist.
Conclusion
Maintaining the proper fit of your dentures is critical for both comfort and oral health. If you notice any signs of discomfort, slippage, or changes in your ability to chew or speak, it may be time for an adjustment. Grishin Denture Specialist in Spokane, WA, can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s a minor adjustment, relining, or complete replacement.
Regular check-ups with your denturist can help catch fit issues early, ensuring that your dentures continue to provide the support and functionality you need.
Learn what to expect during your first week with dentures in our latest blog post here.