When you finally decided to get dentures, you were excited to have your smile back and be able to speak and eat like normal again…at least that was the plan. In reality, your lower denture is constantly moving out of place, and you’re always having to think twice before taking a bite, laughing, or doing anything that could disturb it. This is a fairly common issue for denture wearers, and all they really want to know is why this is happening and how to make it stop for good. You’ll find both of these answers in today’s blog.
You Actually Bite Up
You’ve probably heard the phrase “bite down” your entire life, but this isn’t quite accurate. Whenever you bite, your lower jaw pushes upward into your top teeth. So, a lower denture actually moves quite a bit, which makes it more likely to develop stability problems.
Improperly Fitted Denture
An “improperly fitted denture” can refer to a few specific things, such as the base not being shaped correctly to sit on top of the patient’s gums securely, or the bottom teeth might not be aligned with the upper teeth. A crooked bite can apply pressure to a lower denture that consistently (and annoyingly) shifts it out of place.
Bone Loss
After tooth loss, the jawbone naturally starts to shrink over time, and a traditional denture cannot halt this process. This is why a denture that fits great on day one might become loose as the years go by.
The Solution You’ve Been Waiting For
Constantly having to readjust your teeth and worrying they’ll slip out is maddening, but there are two reliable ways to get the stability you desire. They both involve reaching out to your dentist to schedule an appointment.
The first approach is the quickest and simplest—a reline. This involves your dentist applying a soft material to the inside of your denture that changes the contour of the base as it hardens, helping it fit more snugly over your gums. This can typically be completed in just one or two visits.
But, if you want the most security possible, then you should talk about upgrading to a dental implant denture. This involves anchoring the prosthetic directly to your jawbone using a small number of tiny titanium posts that act like new tooth roots. Because the prosthetic will be connected to your mouth just like natural teeth, it will remain steadfast no matter the situation. Even better, this new fit can be trusted to last for decades to come!
In truth, everything you need is just a phone call away. Your dentist will be able to look at your denture and examine your mouth to determine which approach would be best for you, and you’ll have a chance to ask all the questions you like so you can feel confident about whichever method you choose.
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr is an award-winning restorative, cosmetic, and dental implant dentist who has served the Massapequa area for 30+ years. He is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished and skilled dentists in the U.S., and he has helped thousands of patients recover and renew their smiles using custom-made dentures. If you’re unhappy with your current denture because of a lack of stability, Dr. Mohr is eager to help, and you can learn more by contacting him today.