Dentures are a widely used and effective solution for restoring a smile and replacing missing teeth. When they fit well, dentures allow you to speak clearly, eat comfortably, and feel confident. However, ill-fitting dentures can cause more than just discomfort; they can lead to a range of health problems that affect your mouth and overall well-being. If your dentures are loose, shift when you talk, or cause pain, here are five complications that may be developing behind the scenes.
1. Mouth Sores and Irritation
One of the most common complications of poorly fitting dentures is the development of sore spots and ulcers inside the mouth. When dentures shift around or rub against the gums unevenly, they cause friction and pressure. This can lead to painful sores that make it difficult to eat, speak, or even wear the dentures at all.
These open areas are also more prone to infection, especially if bacteria are allowed to build up under the denture.
2. Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
Dentures that don’t fit properly can make chewing certain foods uncomfortable or ineffective. You may find yourself avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, leading to a limited diet and potential nutritional deficiencies. In addition, ill-fitting dentures can cause slurred speech, clicking noises while talking, or difficulty pronouncing words clearly, especially if the denture becomes loose while speaking.
This can affect your confidence in social settings and overall quality of life.
3. Jawbone Shrinkage (Bone Resorption)
Your jawbone needs stimulation from teeth or implants to stay strong. Traditional dentures sit on top of the gums and do not provide the same stimulation. Worse, if the denture doesn’t fit properly, it can exert uneven pressure on certain areas, speeding up bone resorption (shrinkage of the jawbone).
As the bone continues to shrink, the fit of your dentures becomes even worse, leading to a frustrating cycle that may eventually require a denture reline or replacement.
4. Gum Infections and Inflammation
Improperly fitting dentures can trap food particles and bacteria, especially if they move around during meals. Over time, this can cause inflammation of the gums, known as denture stomatitis. You may notice red, swollen tissue, bad breath, or even a burning sensation in the affected area.
This type of infection is not only painful but can also make wearing the dentures unbearable if not treated promptly.
5. Changes in Facial Appearance
When dentures don’t support your cheeks and lips correctly, your facial features can start to sag, leading to a sunken appearance and premature aging. Bone loss in the jaw only adds to this problem, changing the natural shape of your face and affecting how your dentures sit.
Well-fitted dentures help maintain facial structure and give you a fuller, more youthful look.
Ill-fitting dentures can lead to discomfort, difficulty eating, and even long-term oral health issues. If your dentures slip, hurt, or feel awkward, don’t ignore it. A visit to your dentist for adjustments, a reline, or a replacement can protect your health and restore your comfort and confidence.
About the Practice
Are you looking for a restoration of your look and functionality? Here at Dentistry in Buckhead, we can outfit you with a prosthesis to help you get your oral health back. We have partial, full, and implant dentures for your unique needs, and with a dentist with more than 35 years of experience, you can rest assured that you’re dealing with an expert in their field. For your convenience, we have appointments as early as 7 a.m. so you don’t have to miss a large chunk of your day. Schedule your appointment with us online or call (404) 266-9424.