Dentures continue to be one of the most popular solutions for missing teeth – and there’s a good reason for that. Not only can they rebuild your smile, but they help you bite, chew, and speak with complete confidence once again. Even though dentures are long-lasting, they’re not a permanent method of tooth replacement. You must take proper care of them to keep them from becoming damaged or needing adjustments and repairs. Otherwise, they can turn into a life-threatening problem. Read on to learn how ill-fitting dentures can affect your oral health and why you should get them dealt with right away.
What Complications Can Ill-Fitting Dentures Cause?
It may not seem obvious, but your jawbone’s shape changes over time. If you suffer from tooth loss, your gums and jawbone may shrink from a lack of tooth root stimulation. As a result, dentures that once fit you perfectly may eventually become loose or uncomfortable. That can lead to several complications, including:
Irritated, Inflamed, Swollen Gums
Ill-fitting dentures rub against the gum tissue in unnatural ways, causing irritation and inflammation. The additional friction and pressure against your gums can lead to swelling, making it easier for your gums to become injured or bleed while wearing dentures.
Trouble Speaking
Speaking can be hard enough even without dentures. Can you imagine trying to talk normally while your teeth are moving around in your mouth? Poorly fitted dentures can cause social situations to become embarrassing and awkward, mainly because patients have developed a lisp or are afraid their appliances will fall out while talking.
Damage to Pre-Existing Teeth
If you still have natural teeth, ill-fitting dentures can pose even more of a threat to your oral health. Partial dentures that aren’t secured properly can grate on your remaining pearly whites, resulting in discomfort, thinner tooth enamel, chips, or cracks. Unless you seek treatment for it, damage to natural teeth can lead to decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Blisters
When your dentures rub against certain areas in your mouth, blisters may develop. Although it’s just the body’s attempt to protect affected tissues, it’s certainly not pleasant or good-looking. If you develop an infection, the blisters can grow and multiply, leading to other complications.
Difficulty Eating
Ill-fitting dentures might make it difficult to eat certain foods. Not only will you have trouble sticking to a well-balanced diet, but food can get trapped between your gums and dentures. Unfortunately, this can contribute to gum disease, decay, or an infection.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
Depending on your situation, your dentist may recommend denture relining. That involves adding material to the inner plate that hugs the gums, ensuring your dentures fit properly and securely. If you’d like a more stable solution, you can ask about securing your artificial teeth with dental implants. It’s a more permanent solution that will eliminate problems with slipping and irritation!
Do you have ill-fitting dentures? Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for help. They’ll get your smile back to normal in no time!
About the Practice
At Pacific View Dental Group, we use the latest technologies, techniques, and materials to ensure your oral health remains in optimal condition for a lifetime. Our team will always go the extra mile to help you and your family achieve your happiest, healthiest smile. If your dentures are ill-fitting, we can diagnose the underlying problem and address it to prevent further complications. Visit our website or call (714) 592-4294 to make an appointment.