Dentures can offer reliable chewing ability and a beautiful smile, but that is only if they stay where they belong. Unfortunately, some patients find that their lower denture often slips out of place. What can cause this issue, and is there anything you can do about it? Read this blog post to find out.
Why Are Your Dentures Slipping?
Usually, lower dentures slip out of place if they do not fit properly. A poor fit can occur for a number of reasons:
- Changes to the gums and jaw. After the natural teeth go missing, the jawbone begins to change shape, as do the gums. These changes can negatively affect how well the mouth is able to support a denture.
- Damage to the denture. Dentures are fairly durable. However, they can become warped or broken if they are dropped, exposed to extremely hot water, or face other mishaps.
- Poorly designed dentures. Because they wish to save money, some patients gravitate toward “bargain” dentures. Their new teeth may not be as well-made as they expected.
Of course, even if your dentures fit well, that is not a guarantee that they will stay in place. If you are new to your prosthetic, you might experience slippage issues until after you have adapted to using it properly.
How to Fix Denture Slippage
If your dentures seem to keep slipping out of place, talk to your dentist. They might recommend one of the following options:
- A denture reline. This service places additional material in the base of a denture in order to improve its fit. Often, a reline can be completed in a single dental appointment.
- Adhesive. In most cases, natural suction is enough to keep a denture where it belongs. Sometimes, though, a small amount of denture adhesive can provide needed stabilization.
- A new denture. If your denture is severely damaged or poorly made, you might need to purchase an entirely new set of teeth.
- Implant dentures. Implant dentures are anchored in the jawbone via prosthetic tooth roots. They are extremely study and almost never slip out of place. They have other benefits, too, such as a long lifespan and the ability to preserve your jawbone’s structure.
A slipping lower denture is an annoying and oftentimes embarrassing issue! Fortunately, there are ways to address the problem so you can get back to enjoying a complete and confident smile.
Meet the Practice
Willow Run Dental Association proudly offers dentures, denture maintenance, and dental implant services in a comfortable, welcoming environment. If you have questions about any aspect of tooth replacement, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Auburn dental office at 207-352-2825.