Dentists prefer that you keep your real teeth if possible, but sometimes it’s simply not possible. When several or all of your teeth must be removed, a full or partial denture is a common solution.
Commonly, many patients discover that wearing dentures isn’t as easy as they thought it would be. Dentures can sometimes be uncomfortable to wear, and can be a nuisance if they slip or come loose in your mouth while you’re speaking or eating.
Here we offer some strategies that you can use if your dentures are driving you crazy.
Get An Adjustment
Do your dentures seem to be crowding your mouth? They may need to be adjusted by your dentist.
If your dentures seem not to fit well, whether they’re too loose and slip and slide in your mouth or they’re too tight and create sore spots, you may need to have them adjusted.
It’s common to need adjustments shortly after having dentures made, especially same-day dentures. Your gums will be swollen after the extractions, and as that subsides, your dentures may not fit quite correctly. Your dentist can eliminate rough spots that cause sores and make adjustments to help your dentures sit more correctly.
Experiment With Adhesives
Dental adhesives should not be used as a substitute for poor-fitting dentures, but sometimes even dentures that fit well can come loose.
Lower dentures, in particular, don’t always stay as still as you might like. Denture adhesives can help anchor them into place. They can also provide some cushioning to make the denture more comfortable.
There are many types of denture adhesives on the market, but not all are the same. Different ones work better for different people. You may need to experiment with several kinds of denture adhesives to find one that works well for you.
Consider Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are more stable and give you plenty of reasons to smile.
What if you could have a denture that was more stable and secure than ordinary dentures? One that would be unlikely to slide around while you’re speaking or fall out when you’re eating? If you’re uncomfortable with your current dentures, you may want to consider upgrading to an implant-supported denture instead.
Implant-supported dentures are held in place by metal dental implants installed in your jaw. The implants have special attachments that your denture is designed to snap onto. Implant-supported dentures can be removable or fixed in place.
It’s more common for the lower jaw to have an implant-supported denture because suction usually does a good job of holding upper dentures in place without implants. If you dislike the way the upper denture covers your palate, then you may want an implant- supported upper denture—it can be made to cover less of your palate, since it won’t need suction to stay in place.
An implant-supported denture can be more functional and more comfortable than ordinary dentures. You’ll find it easier to speak and eat normally, and the implants can even help stimulate jaw bone growth in your jaw.
Contact Watkin Dental for Denture Solutions
If your dentures are driving you crazy, it’s important to share your concerns with your dentist. There are options that can help. To discuss your denture options with a dentist, contact us.
