Dentures are intended to be a long-lasting solution to lost teeth. Unfortunately, over time you may find that your once-comfortable denture is no longer fitting well. If your denture is shifting or rubbing against your gums, you need to talk with your dentist about the potential for either relining or replacing the denture. Here's a look at what you should know about dealing with an ill-fitting denture.
What Causes the Fit to Change?
As your gums heal after having your teeth extracted, your jaw line can shift a little bit. You may even experience some jaw bone loss, which can change the way that your denture fits. Additionally, if you have your dentures fit and crafted on the day of your extractions, your gums are likely to be swollen, which means you won't get a true fit. When the swelling goes down, it will alter the way that your dentures feel.
How Can You Fix It?
There are two options for resolving an ill-fitting denture. You can have the dentures relined, or you may need to have them replaced completely once your gums have healed.
Relining: If the dentures are still in good condition and your gum line isn't changing too rapidly, you can typically have them relined to improve their fit. There are two options for dental relines.
To reline the denture in either form, your dentist will need to take an updated impression of your mouth. This will create a template for the new denture so that it fits securely.
Replacement: If your dentures fit poorly in general, are old or are damaged, you should talk with your dentist about having them replaced. If you've relined your dentures multiple times, it's time to replace them with new ones. This is important, because too many relines can actually make your dentures function poorly.
Talk to your dentist or Dr. Andres Maeso today about how your denture is feeling. He or she can evaluate the condition of your gums and your jawline to determine the best treatment plan.
Share25 November 2015
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!