Dentures are designed to fit snugly and comfortably against your gum tissue. Your lower prosthetic should remain secure in your mouth as you speak, chew, and laugh throughout the day. But what if it refuses to stay in place? A slipping lower denture is annoying, uncomfortable, and potentially embarrassing. What causes this issue, and what can you do about it? Continue reading to discover helpful information.
Reasons Behind a Slipping Lower Denture
The most common reason behind a slipping lower denture is a poor fit, which could be the result of:
- Changes to your jaw and gums: Over time, your lower jaw may shrink, and your gums may change shape.
- Damage: If you accidentally dropped your denture or exposed it to hot water, its shape may have changed.
- Poor workmanship: Some clinics provide cheap or “bargain” dentures. While these are not always bad, they sometimes do not fit appropriately.
Of course, a poor fit is not the only possible explanation behind a denture that keeps losing its place. If you apply too much pressure to one side, the other could pop up. Or, you may simply need a bit more time to adapt to using your prosthetic in a way that optimizes its comfort and function.
How to Keep Your Lower Denture in Place
Here are some suggestions that might help you keep your teeth where they belong:
- Use adhesive: A bit of adhesive will never makeup for a poor fit, but it can provide a bit of extra security throughout the day. Strips, creams, and pastes are all available at major retailers.
- Use proper chewing technique: Try to distribute foods evenly between both sides of your mouth. Avoid extremely hard or crunchy items.
- Get your dentures inspected: Ask your dentist to inspect your denture for damage and evaluate its fit. You might need to get it relined (this involves adding material to the denture’s base so it fits more securely). Or, the denture might need to undergo repairs in a nearby lab.
- Consider getting a new denture: A new, high-quality denture will likely fit much better than an old or low-quality alternative. Some people even choose to upgrade to an implant denture, which is secured in the mouth by prosthetic tooth roots. Implant dentures offer superior stability and virtually never slip out of place.
A bothersome lower denture should not prevent you from enjoying your smile. Talk to your dentist to discuss how you can keep your prosthetic in place all day.
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association, our team is proud to offer both traditional and implant dentures. If you have questions about how to use or care for prosthetic teeth, or you want to discuss tooth replacement options, we would be happy to assist you. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office in Auburn, ME, at 207-352-2825.