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Can dentures stretch out over the course of a day, the way a pair of jeans do? My dentures always feel secure in the morning by get looser throughout the day, but the time evening hits, they’re loose. I’m scared to go out to eat in case they’ll come out.
Andy
Dear Andy,
There are some natural things that occur throughout the day which can make your dentures feel a bit looser. Some of this is normal. Your saliva helps create a thin film that contributes to denture retention. Dry mouth can reduce that stability. You would likely know if you have dry mouth. the most common causes are certain medications, dehydration, and breathing out of your mouth instead of your nose.
Sometimes it is the result of repeated forces on the dentures. If your dentures were slightly unstable to begin with, they may seem fine when first inserted but become noticeably troublesome after hours of use. Another possibility is your denture adhesive becomes less effective during eating and drinking. However, you shouldn’t need increasing amounts of adhesive to compensate for a poor fit. That’s a sign of a bigger problem.
When Does Something Need to Be Done About Your Dentures?
- Increasing movement or slipping. Dentures that once stayed securely in place now shift while talking, laughing, or eating.
- Increasing need for adhesive. If you find yourself applying more adhesive than before, or reapplying it frequently.
- Recurring sore spots. Redness, tenderness, or ulcers can indicate that the denture is rubbing or putting excessive pressure on certain areas.
- Food frequently getting underneath. A gap between the denture and gums may allow food particles to collect and cause irritation.
- Changes in chewing ability. Foods that were previously easy to chew while you had dentures become difficult, or the dentures rock when biting.
- Changes in facial appearance or bite. Reduced support around the lips, a changed bite, difficulty bringing the teeth together comfortably, or a shorter jaw are a big warning sign.
The solutions to these can be a simple adjustment, a reline, or a total replacement.
Adjustment: A localized pressure spot, minor bite problem, or rubbing.
Reline: The denture teeth are still in good condition, but the base no longer fits the gums closely or is causing some sores.
Replacement: The denture is significantly worn, damaged, or has trouble fitting and staying in.
If the denture needs to be replaced because it doesn’t fit anymore. That is more a problem with your jawbone than your denture. It means you’ve been in dentures long enough that you’ve lost too much bone structure, a condition known as facial collapse. You will need bone grafting done. From there you could either get new dentures, which will start the whole procedure of facial collapse again.
The best solution would be to have dental implants placed, then have your denture anchored to them. This solves pretty much all the problems that come with dentures. In fact, you’ll be able to eat many more foods. Even the best fitting dentures will reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. Most importantly, the dental implants signal to your body there are still teeth roots there, so you will never have to deal with the bone loss that removable dentures cause.
This blog is brought ot you by a top-rated dentist in Baton Rouge, Dr. John Theriot.