6 Complications of Dentures That Don’t Fit

If you have suffered from significant tooth loss, dentures are a lifechanging solution. They can restore the appearance and function of the teeth. Dentures are made to last for many years, but they need to be relined and replaced from time to time as the mouth changes. Ill-fitting dentures can result in various complications. Read on to learn why dentures don’t always fit and some of the issues that can happen.

Why Do Dentures Become Loose?

When you first got your dentures, they were perfectly shaped to fit in your mouth. You may be wondering – what changed? It may seem like the denture expanded in size, but the truth is that the structure of your face changes over time. When you are missing teeth, your jawbone isn’t being stimulated by the natural tooth roots, so it starts to shrink. Ultimately, this can cause your dentures to not fit correctly. This is when you need to see your dentist to have your prosthetic relined or replaced.

Which Issues Can Occur from Ill-Fitting Denture?

Inflammation

If your dentures aren’t fitting as they should, they can rub against your gum tissue, causing you to experience irritation and inflammation of the soft tissue.

Blisters

Loose fitting dentures can cause blisters to develop in various locations in the mouth. This includes gum tissue, the interior surface of the jaw, and other areas of the mouth.

Ear Pain

If your jaw and gums are uncomfortable from loose dentures, pressure in your ears can build up as well. This can cause denture-wearers to experience frequent earaches and headaches.

Difficulty Eating

When your dentures aren’t fitting how they should, this can make it more difficult to eat. No one wants to experience pain when they are trying to get down food. Not eating properly can lead to nutritional deficiencies, leading to various problems throughout the body.

Atrophy of the Jawbone

When the jawbone is constantly being worn down by ill-fitting dentures causing uneven pressure, it can start to break down.

Uneven Bite

Ill-fitting dentures can result in an incorrect bit. This can cause you to drool and result in an overgrowth of yeast. This can cause infection to develop in the future.

If your dentures aren’t fitting how they used to, give your dentist a call. You may need a reline or replacement. By keeping up with your dentures, you can avoid to complications above.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Kaopua has been working in the field for more than two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from Oregon Health & Sciences University. Since then, he has completed advanced training various topics, including sleep apnea, BOTOX, dental implant placement, Invisalign, Lumineers, soft-tissue laser treatment, and more! To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (425) 267-3333.