Why Do My Dentures Not Fit Like They Used To?

Dentures that fit poorly are a very common problem, affecting most Singapore denture wearers eventually. It is especially common with the lower denture, since it has less support than an upper one and is affected by the motion of the cheeks and tongue. Most often, dentures fit poorly due to changes that occur in a jaw after tooth loss, which affect the gum ridge and the bone underneath, altering denture fit over time. However, there are solutions to ill-fitting dentures and it isn't a problem that should be let go, so if you're having trouble, see your dentist for help.

Why Your Dentures Fit Poorly

"Why do my dentures not fit like they used to?"

Changes in oral structure are an inevitable consequence of tooth loss. Bone loss is generally the most significant change, which begins immediately after tooth loss, a process that is called resorption and caused by the lack of tooth roots in the jaw. Tooth roots provide stimulation to the jawbone as a person chews that triggers the body's natural bone repair and maintenance process, prompting the production of new bone cells to maintain the jawbone strength, size and density.

Without that stimulation, the jawbone melts away, shrinking in both height and width. As the jawbone shrinks away, the size and shape of the gums change also, eroding support for dentures, and the pressure placed on these structures by the dentures themselves can accelerate the process. Because of these changes, it is recommended that all denture wearers see a dentist for a checkup once a year. If dentures fit has deteriorated, the dentist will suggest relining or replacement to restore stability. On average, dentures will have to be relined or replaced every five to seven years to maintain a secure and comfortable fit.

Permanent Dentures in Singapore

After years of denture use, some denture wearers find that oral structure has deteriorated to the point that relining or replacing dentures can no longer offer the stability they need to bite, chew or speak properly. However, this doesn't mean that denture wearers who have reached this point have to live with the pain, discomfort and difficulties of poor fitting dentures. Dental implants can offer a several solutions in these situations. They can be used to firmly anchor a conventional denture, improving stability, or as the foundation for removable or fixed implant-supported dental restorations.

If your dentures fit poorly, don't ignore the problem. Doing so can affect your oral health, causing gum irritation, inflammation, pain, infection and mouth sores. It can affect your general health as well, making good nutrition a challenge and, due to poor chewing efficiency, digestive problems more likely. Aside from the practical problems, loose dentures are just plain uncomfortable and can be quite embarrassing if they slip or click in the middle of a conversation or a meal. So see your dentist and get those dentures taken care of so you can get back to eating, speaking and smiling with confidence.

Photo credit: Kathy McGraw