Dentures are custom-designed for each patient. Your prosthetic should fit comfortably on your gums and stay secure as you speak and eat throughout the day. But what if your dentures do not fit properly? Should you simply put up with the problem, or should you see your dentist so they can assist you? The latter option is the smarter choice; timely care can help you minimize or prevent the complications of ill-fitting dentures, which are discussed in the remainder of this blog post.
Angular Cheilitis
Ill-fitting dentures often create pockets at the corners of your mouth where saliva can collect. This moist environment allows bacteria and fungi to thrive, which can lead to a painful condition called angular cheilitis. You may notice redness, cracking, or sores at the corners of your lips. Without proper adjustments to your dentures and professional care, angular cheilitis has the potential to become chronic.
Gum Sores
When ill-fitting dentures shift or rub against your gums, they can cause abrasions and open sores. These lesions may become quite painful, especially when you eat or speak. Open sores also increase your risk of infection, which can further complicate your oral health.
Difficulty Speaking and Chewing
Dentures that do not fit securely can slip out of place while you talk or chew. This instability makes clear speech more difficult and can lead to embarrassment in social situations. Eating can become a challenge as well because you may struggle to bite and chew your food thoroughly. You might even start to avoid certain foods, which can affect your nutrition and overall well-being.
Headaches
If your dentures do not align properly with your bite, you may develop muscle tension in your face and jaw. This tension often leads to headaches, which can become frequent and interfere with your daily life. Chronic discomfort could move you to stop wearing your dentures altogether.
Damage to Your Remaining Natural Teeth
Ill-fitting partial dentures can put excessive pressure on any teeth you still have. Over time, this pressure may cause those teeth to loosen or wear down more quickly. You could eventually lose additional teeth if you do not resolve the underlying denture problem.
Resolve the Problem with Help from Your Dentist
Ill-fitting dentures are more than a mere inconvenience! Yes, they can threaten your oral health and downgrade your daily quality of life. Fortunately, your dentist can help. You might need something as simple as a denture reline, which involves adding material to the base of your prosthetic so it fits more securely. Or, you might need an entirely new denture. Either way, you can look forward to improvements in the way your replacement teeth fit and feel.
Meet the Practice
At Weston Dental Specialists Group, we are proud to have four on-staff prosthodontists (dentists who specialize in prosthetics, including dentures). We work together to design high-quality tooth replacements, and we can assist patients with existing dentures as well. To discover how we can help you get the most out of your prosthetic teeth, contact our office in Weston, MA, at 781-894-0347.