Dentures are more realistic and comfortable than ever before, thanks to new materials and technologies. Your denture should rest comfortably on your gum tissue, only relying on suction to stay in place. However, bottom dentures can slip or come loose. If you have difficulty chewing or talking because your denture won’t stop moving around, it can affect your quality of life. Here are a few reasons your denture might be slipping and what you can do to enjoy added stability.
Common Causes of Slipping Lower Denture
If you have anxiety about your denture falling out, your dentist can determine what’s causing the issue, which may be a result of:
- Flat or Negative Ridge: Tooth loss causes your jawbone to shrink over time. You can lose up to 25% of your jaw’s density within the first year of losing a tooth, which will continue to deteriorate as time passes. If you’ve been without teeth for some time, you may not have adequate bone height to keep your denture in place.
- Misaligned Bite: Your bite relationship is important, whether you have all your natural teeth or dentures. An unbalanced bite can affect the function of your dentures from uneven pressure distribution.
- Impatience: It takes time to adjust to wearing dentures. Your lower denture may move around until you learn to control the muscles that hold it in place. The transition won’t happen overnight, so it is important to have a little patience.
Tips to Hold Your Denture in Place
Depending on the cause of the slipping, you can try several solutions to prevent your new teeth from moving around in your mouth, like:
- Practice Makes Perfect: You’ll need to get used to eating and speaking with your new denture in your mouth. Cut your food into small pieces to make it easier to chew. Chew slowly and carefully, ensuring your food is evenly distributed on both sides of your mouth. Chewing on one side can dislodge your denture.
- Use an Adhesive: An adhesive isn’t something you want to rely on, but it can keep your lower denture from moving.
- Reline Your Dentures: If your dentures are older, the shape of your mouth might have changed from bone loss. Your dentist can reline your dentures to restore a snug fit.
- Invest in Dental Implants: Your dentist can secure your denture to your jaw by placing dental implants into your bone. They’ll serve as new tooth roots, so you’ll never have to worry about slipping or irritation again.
Poor-fitting dentures can affect your confidence and overall wellness. Your dentist has the solutions you need to restore a comfortable, secure fit.
About Dr. Nicholas Brong
Dr. Brong works tirelessly to help his patients achieve their best smiles using the latest solutions in dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the University of California and has regularly continued his training in various specialties, including dental implants, extractions, and restorations. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and several other professional organizations. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (507) 322-1210.
