According to the American Dental Association, more than 36 million Americans have no teeth, and 90% wear dentures. While dentures successfully restore a person’s ability to chew and speak, they certainly have their problems. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to live an active life while wearing loose, uncomfortable dentures. The worst thing is that they used to be comfortable and reliable. This is a sad fact that many people who wear dentures encounter. Fortunately, there are several methods your dentist can use to repair your loose dentures, giving you varying amounts of support and durability.
What Causes Loose Dentures?
One of the most frequent causes of loose dentures is bone resorption, which occurs when your gums start to recede because they are no longer used to hold your teeth in place. Another cause of loose dentures is everyday wear and tear. You can avoid this by properly caring for your dentures, which includes taking them out before going to sleep and avoiding chewing on hard foods to reduce damage.
Risks Associated with Wearing Loose Dentures
When a denture doesn’t fit properly, an individual’s appearance, nutrition, and communication face challenges and reduce the quality of life. It increases discomfort and makes people cautious when they speak. Food becomes less enjoyable because it is difficult to chew, leading to malnutrition and additional health issues.
How to Fix Loose Dentures
If you notice your dentures becoming loose, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the best way to repair them. Common symptoms that your denture is becoming loose include:
- Feeling loose when speaking
- Movement when eating
- Looseness when opening the mouth widely
- Any pain while wearing the prosthetic
Your options may include the following steps or procedures.
Use a New Adhesive
The first step to repairing your loose dentures may be to upgrade to a new dental adhesive if your existing pastes don’t work. Your dentist can suggest various brands to test until you find one that securely holds your denture.
Denture Reline
The next step your dentist may recommend if the adhesive doesn’t work is to reline your denture. You can choose a soft reline, which means your dentist will complete the procedure in the office. They will layer liquid ingredients into your denture to create a new pillow for your gums and provide additional stability.
Another option may be to make a new denture when a reline doesn’t work. This requires two to five visits to the office to complete the procedure.
Dental Implants
Dental adhesives and relines may not produce the results that some patients want. When these options fail, you can opt for dental implants. These metal posts provide long-lasting support for your dentures. Some patients require two implants, while others need more to secure their prosthetics.
Dental implants eliminate the need for denture adhesives, providing more stability for your teeth. As a result, few patients experience denture slips.
Do You Have Loose Dentures?
If you’ve noticed that your dentures have become loose, don’t delay making an appointment with Scottsdale Dental and Facial Aesthetics. We’ll ensure your dentures fit comfortably so your quality of life improves. Contact us today for a free consultation!
