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Common Denture Problems
(And What To Do About Them)
Following is a list of possible causes for problems most often encountered by people who wear dentures. If you are suffering from any of these problems, or especially from a problem not listed here, call your dental professional.
Common Denture Problems
Common Causes / Solutions
Denture slipping and moving
Due to shrinkage of jaw bone and surrounding gum tissue, the gums and bone do not support the denture in speaking or chewing -- Reline, rebase or replacement per a dental professional’s recommendation.
Speaking difficulties and unwanted sounds, such as “clicking, whistling, smacking…”
Denture is not in proper position or does not stay in proper position -- denture moves causing cheek and tongue to struggle to form words and control the denture -- Reline, rebase or replacement per a dental professional’s recommendation.
Difficulty chewing certain foods
Some foods may never be ‘easy to chew’ with dentures, but lack of adequate chewing could be related to the alignment of your upper and lower denture(s), or your denture with natural teeth, this effects the “balance” of the denture on the tissues and muscles of the mouth. In combination with shrinkage of tissue, poor alignment creates improper denture function. Only a dental professional can determine the best solution(s).
Lack of suction / adhesion
Bone and mouth tissue shrinks – original fit/contact of denture is lost;Dry Mouth (Xerostomia); caused most often by certain medications; without proper saliva, denture fit is not ideal due to the “seal” that moisture provides between denture base and tissue. Discuss with your dental professional.
Wrinkles above / around lips or at corners of mouth
Denture has moved back in the mouth and no longer supports the lips. This may be due to bone loss and / or loss of skin elasticity (stretchiness) and moisture loss. See your dental professional to help determine the root cause.
Sore spots in the mouth
Pressure and / or rubbing is occurring in one specific area, usually a result of chewing (see Difficulty chewing certain foods) but may also be due to clenching of teeth or bruxism (grinding the teeth). Other causes may be hard foods (like small seeds) getting under the denture or denture teeth that need adjustment. Your dental professional can help resolve the problem.
Soreness at corners of mouth
Loss of vertical support for the denture (bone loss) can cause the mouth to “over-close.” This can change the way the lips seal together and cause saliva to pool at the corners of the mouth. The excess moisture in this area may cause the skin to become irritated and may increase the risk of a candida (fungus) infection. The soreness may also be the result of a vitamin deficiency. Seek advice from your dental professional.
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How soon can I have a denture after my teeth are taken out?
Usually dentures can be fitted straight after your teeth have been removed. These are called ‘immediate dentures’. You visit the dentist beforehand for them to take measurements and impressions of your mouth. With immediate dentures you don’t have to be without teeth while your gums are healing. However, bone and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first six months after your teeth have been taken out. If your gums shrink, your immediate dentures may need relining, adjusting or even replacing. Dr. Russell will be able to discuss this with you. Sometimes Dr. Russell may advise you to wait until your gums are healed before having your dentures, as this can sometimes provide a better fit. Healing may take several months.
Are dentures my only option?
No. Implants are another option to consider. Ask Dr. Russell for more information on this. He will discuss the possible alternative dental treatment.
Why bother with dentures?
Replacing lost or missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person appear older and reduce their ability to eat and speak.
What is a denture?
People wear dentures to replace lost or missing teeth so they can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. Dentures are made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. A 'complete' or 'full' denture is one which replaces all the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws. A 'partial' denture fills in the spaces left by lost or missing teeth. It may be fastened to your natural teeth with metal clasps or 'precision attachments'.
What are dentures made of?
The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth. This is especially important in the case of partial dentures.
Will dentures make me feel different?
Replacing lost or missing teeth is very good for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces your natural teeth and gives support to your cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person look older and they will find it harder to eat and speak properly. Dentures can be made to closely match your natural teeth so that your appearance hardly changes. Modern dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face.
Will I be able to eat with dentures?
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the denture from moving. As you become more used to your denture, add other foods until you return to your normal healthy diet.
Will dentures change how I speak?
Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words will help. If you find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile, reposition the denture by gently biting down and swallowing. If this continues consult Dr. Russell.
How long should I wear my dentures?
During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them for most of the time, including while you are asleep. After an initial period of adjustment Dr. Russell may advise that you remove them before going to bed. This allows your gums to rest and helps promote oral health.
Should I use a denture fixative?
Dentures are custom made to fit your mouth and you shouldn't need a denture fixative. However, over time, dentures may become loose and not fit as well. When this happens, some people prefer to use a fixative for a short time before having them replaced. A poorly fitting denture may cause irritation and sores. This can often happen if you have worn immediate dentures for some time.
Must I do anything special to care for my mouth?
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning and evening, brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush. This removes plaque and helps the circulation in your mouth. If you wear partial dentures, it is even more important that you brush your teeth thoroughly every day. This will help stop tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to you losing more of your teeth. Dr. Russell may refer you to the hygienist to have your remaining natural teeth cleaned regularly.
What is the difference between conventional and Immediate Dentures?
Conventional dentures are made and inserted after teeth have been removed and the tissues have healed. Healing may take several months. Immediate Dentures are inserted immediately after teeth have been removed. To do this, the dentist takes measurements and impressions of your mouth during a preliminary visit An advantage of Immediate Dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bone and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first six months after teeth have been removed. When gums shrink, Immediate Dentures may require relining or even replacing to fit properly.
What will dentures feel like?
New dentures may feel awkward or even uncomfortable for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. Should this continue, consult Dr. Russell. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness during this period. You may also find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish. If any problems persist, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult Dr. Russell
How do I take care of my dentures?
The general rule is: brush, soak, brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Using an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Then brush the dentures again, as you would your own teeth, being careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Most dentists advise against using toothpaste. Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which touches your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative. If you notice a build up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by Dr. Russell or hygienist.
Will my dentures need to be replaced?
Over time, your dentures will need to be relined or re-made due to normal wear or a change in the shape of your mouth. Bone and gum ridges can shrink, causing your jaws to meet differently. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections, not to mention discomfort. A loose or ill-fitting denture can also make eating and talking more difficult. It is important to replace worn or poorly fitting dentures before they cause problems.
How often should I see Dr. Russell?
Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are vital for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Most dentists recommend a dental check up at least once a year. Regular visits allow Dr. Russell to check the soft parts of your mouth, including the tongue and cheeks. These examinations are important so the dentist can spot any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages. Full denture wearers should check with their dentist about how often they should visit. With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence, you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a smile.
Dr. Russell's Suggestions for Living With Your Dentures
If you have just received your dentures, avoid raw vegetables, fibrous meats and sticky foods for the first few months. Cut your food into small pieces. When biting, avoid using your front teeth. Instead, use your canine teeth (the pointed ones) and the teeth just behind them. Do not pull or tear your food in a forward direction; instead, push back as you bite. When you chew, try to have some food on either side of your mouth to stabilize your dentures. Do not expect the same eating efficiency you had with your natural teeth, even after you become experienced.
Eating a proper diet is especially important for people who wear dentures. As a group, denture wearers tend to have lower-quality diets than do people with most or all of their natural teeth. They may not get enough of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B6, vitamin E, and zinc, which are found in hard-to-chew foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and meat.
Speak slowly and quietly when you first get your dentures. You can practice by reading aloud at home in front of a mirror, repeating words that seem difficult.
You may notice more saliva in your mouth when you get your new dentures. When you sneeze, cough or yawn, your dentures may loosen. This is not an indication of improper fit. Also, the tissues under your dentures will need a rest every day, so you will be instructed to take your dentures out when you sleep.
Your mouth and the bone in your jaw that supports your dentures will continue to change. After years of denture wear, your jaws — especially your lower jaw, or mandible — become smaller as the bone wears away. This can make your dentures become ill fitting and difficult to use.
Regular visits to our office are just as important for people with dentures as they are for people with all their natural teeth. Everyone with dentures should visit their dentists at least every six months. People who visit their doctors more frequently — for example, diabetics or people with compromised immune systems — should also visit their dentists more frequently. Regular visits help ensure that your dentures continue to fit and operate correctly. In addition, your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of bone loss, oral cancer, infections and other conditions.
Rarely people are allergic to a common type of plastic used in dentures. In these cases, other plastics can be used instead. Also, some people have had allergic reactions to a component of the metal used in partial dentures. Most manufacturers have stopped using this component, so this type of allergy is generally not an issue.
Of the 36 million people aged 18 to 74 who wear dentures in the United States, about 21 million have some type of complication. Most complications result from poor oral hygiene or not following a dentist's instructions. For example, if you do not clean your dentures properly, the tissue can become irritated. If you don't eat a balanced diet, you may be more susceptible to fungal infections in your mouth.
If you follow Dr. Russell's instructions, clean your dentures and oral tissues daily and contact your dentist if your dentures seem ill fitting or painful, you should have few problems. See your dentist at least every six months, even if you are not experiencing discomfort.
Dentures are not permanent fixtures in your mouth; you need to take them out at least once a day. Most people leave their dentures out at night when they sleep. Store them in water or in commercially available denture cleaning solutions in a covered container. Change the water or solution daily and wash the container.
Your dentures need to be cleaned thoroughly twice a day using specially designed denture brushes. The tissues in your mouth also need to be brushed and massaged to clean away debris. This also helps maintain good circulation in your gums.
Some people use denture adhesives, such as powders or pastes. Adhesives can be useful in keeping dentures from slipping or falling out, especially in people whose jawbones have shrunk considerably. However, they should not be used to compensate for poorly fitting dentures.
If your dentures start slipping or become uncomfortable, visit your dentist to see if your dentures need adjusting or refitting. Most repairs can be done right in our office, so you don't need to spend days without your dentures. Never attempt to repair or refit your dentures yourself because you could cause injury or affect the health of the tissues in your mouth.
Dentures usually need periodic alterations because the tissues and bone supporting the dentures change over time. Relining and rebasing are alterations that adjust the fit of your dentures to make them more secure on your gums. Rebasing involves making an entirely new denture base, while relining modifies the existing one. Both procedures maintain the denture's existing artificial teeth.
Relining involves resurfacing the portion of the denture that fits against your gum tissue. After teeth are extracted, the bone that once held your teeth shrinks (a process called bone resorption), and it is common to discover that your dentures no longer fit properly as the resorption continues. If the denture is otherwise in good shape, Dr. Russell may recommend an office reline.
An office reline takes about 30 to 60 minutes. During the procedure:
Dr. Russell will clean the denture thoroughly and remove 2 to 3 millimeters of the surface that fits against your gums.
In some cases, a bonding agent is used to secure the reline material to the denture.
The reline material (an acrylic resin) is mixed and placed in the denture.
The denture is placed in your mouth while the resin is still soft.
An impression of your gum tissue is made inside the denture as it sits in your mouth.
The reline material hardens in a shape that conforms to your gums and enhances the fit.
Your dentist checks the new surface and polishes the denture.
There are two types of relines, soft and hard. Each uses different materials. The material for soft relines remains somewhat flexible. If you pressed the material with your fingernail, you would see an impression. Resin used for hard relines does not have this flexibility.
Soft relines are generally considered temporary. The material used is biodegradable and is not meant to last more than a few months. Soft relines can be repeated at regular intervals if your jawbone can't tolerate the force of a hard-reline material. The softer material absorbs some of the stress of chewing. Some people receive a soft reline if the gum tissue needs time to heal from the effects of an ill-fitting denture or other stresses that have caused injury. In this situation, after the gums are healthy, a hard reline would be done.
Rebasing, which is less common than relining, involves replacing the entire base of the denture, but keeping the teeth. It is a more complex process, involving two or three dental visits. You will be without your dentures for a period of time, perhaps one day, but sometimes several days.
If your dentures need rebasing, your dentist will take an impression of your gums within the denture. The denture will be sent to the lab and serve as a model for the new base. During this process, the teeth are maintained in the new base in their original positions. The rebased dentures usually need to be adjusted.
An office reline can be done quickly and less expensively than a rebase. However, the material used in a reline is not as dense as that used in rebasing. Because relining materials are not as dense, they are more likely to discolor or take on unpleasant odors.
In some cases, such as a fractured denture base, rebasing might be your only option. Talk to Dr. Russell if you are concerned about which procedure is right for you.
Natural zLooking DentureDesigning New Teeth to look like the Originals
