Even the finest made dentures can present problems if not cared for appropriately – continue reading for our review of the top common denture problems
Let’s get one thing straight – dentures are not a bad thing, but like with all things, your dentures may take some getting used to and some tweaking to get them right. Quality workmanship combined with a correct fit can make all the difference in how your dentures feel as well as your smiles appearance. Our office knows a thing or two about dentures and we know exactly what issues can occur and how to correct any problems. If you’re a denture wearer you’ll be happy to know we can help with all common denture problems – so keep reading to find out more.
Dentures That Just Don’t Fit Right
This is probably the most common issue patients have with wearing dentures – they are uncomfortable at first. Fortunately, dentures are only uncomfortable if they don’t fit your mouth. An improper fit will cause friction and hot spots between your dentures and your gum tissues. This friction is very uncomfortable and can lead to sores or infections if not taken care of promptly. If you are experiencing pain while wearing your dentures, contact your denture professional immediately for an adjustment. Dentures are made to enhance your life, not hinder it.
Your Dentures Feel Loose
When you first begin wearing your dentures, the muscles in your mouth will try to reject them. This is because they are essentially a foreign object that needs to be dislodged. All this happens subconsciously and can cause you to feel like the fit of your dentures isn’t correct. We recommend waiting a few days for your mouth to become used to the dentures. If after a week the fit still feels off, an adjustment may be required.
Dentures Make Your Smile Look Unnatural
Wearing dentures is meant to give you a brighter, more natural smile – not make you look like you have a bunch of fake teeth in your mouth. A well-made and properly fitting denture should be indistinguishable from your normal smile. We always recommend custom made dentures because they allow for a full range of adjustments to match the smile you and everyone else is used to. Custom dentures can match the size, shape, fit and even colour of your teeth, so no one will know that you’re wearing dentures. No more “chicklet teeth” or teeth that are too big or too small. Natural looking dentures that suit your face will make you and your loved ones fall in love with your smile again.
Dentures Are Affecting Your Ability to Chew Properly
This is a common complaint about wearing dentures because often the fit isn’t right and it hinders the way you would normally chew. If you can’t chew properly, you’re likely to give up on eating certain foods which may negatively affect your diet in the long run. Your jaw structure can also be affected by improper fitting dentures if they don’t allow your jaw to move correctly when chewing. This can cause jaw pain, headaches and a general sense of discomfort.
Dentures are Causing You to Look Old
Yes, this is a thing. Dentures that are too short can cause your face to appear shorter and can emphasize wrinkles around your mouth. Your gums and ridge tissue also shrinks as you age, meaning that dentures that once fit properly, may not do so anymore. Get ones that fit properly and you could take years off your apparent age.
Dentures Can Cause Jaw Disorders
Your jaw function is directly related to the alignment of your teeth. If your dentures don’t fit, or have become worn, they can begin to affect how your jaw works. Improper alignment can lead to jaw or neck pain caused by TMJ or Temporo Mandibular Joint disorders.
Stress Caused by Dentures That Don’t Fit
If you don’t like the look of your dentures, or your dentures cause you pain – you might find your emotional and psychological well-being negatively impacted. No one wants to have trouble eating, trouble speaking or trouble showing others their smile. This can make denture wearers become withdrawn or anti-social and that isn’t good for anyone. Get dentures that fit – it’s good for your health.
Incorrect Cleaning and Oral Hygiene
Bad oral hygiene is never good, but the effects are multiplied when wearing dentures. If you don’t brush and clean your dentures effectively, food will become stuck causing bacteria growth, bad breath and discolouration. This will eventually cause other concerns such as gum disease and premature denture wear.
Dentures Are Causing Too Much Saliva
Dentures can cause your body to overproduce saliva – this is a common problem. Putting something into your mouth, triggers your saliva glands to begin producing saliva. Luckily, as your body gets used to wearing dentures, this problem will correct itself and the amount of saliva produced will return to normal. This typically only takes a few days.
Dentures Are Making Your Face Look Weird
When you first begin wearing your dentures – they will feel foreign. This often causes wearers to feel like their smile is different and their resting face isn’t normal. This is a common problem with new dentures but also disappears after a couple of days or once your body gets accustomed.
Trouble Speaking While Wearing Dentures
Some denture wearers experience trouble speaking or properly enunciating words when they first begin wearing dentures. This is normal. With time and practice your mouth will adapt causing your speech to return to normal. The key is to continue speaking – as much as you can – to speed up the adjustment process. Many wearers have reported that singing along with music has helped them sound normal again quickly.
Dentures Have a Shelf Life
Dentures age – just like we do – and begin to look faded or dated. This is when getting a new set of dentures is the best way to address the issue. If your dentures have become yellowed, worn, or even chipped – it’s time for a new pair. New dentures can really rejuvenate the look of your smile and face – even lengthening and tightening your mouth area.
Beginning to wear dentures, or getting new ones, can often lead to an adjustment period that every wearer must go through. This period ranges from a couple of days to about a week. If after that time you still feel something is amiss with your dentures, we recommend seeing your denture professional as soon as possible. A properly fitting denture should function as an extension of your body and become invisible to your subconscious once you have become used to them. Give it some time and you may just get used to your dentures, but if not, then get them adjusted until all problems are gone. Just remember to be patient and everything will turn out fine.
