6 Complications You Can Experience from Ill-Fitting Dentures

Dentures are one of the most common tooth replacement options out there. They are an excellent solution and life-changing for people who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth. However, this all changes if your dentures aren’t fitting as well as they should. Ill-fitting dentures can cause you to develop a variety of health issues. Read on to learn why dentures become loose and about some of the complications that can occur if you continue wearing ill-fitting dentures.

What Causes Dentures to Become Loose?

When you first got your dentures, they fit perfectly in your mouth, so what changed? While it may seem that the denture expanded in size, 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 begins to shrink. Ultimately, this can cause your dentures to become ill-fitting over time. This is why you need to see your dentist to have your restoration relined and replaced periodically.

What Complications Can Arise from Ill-Fitting Dentures?

Inflammation

When your dentures aren’t fitting properly, they can start to rub against the gum tissue in an unnatural manner and cause irritation and inflammation of the soft tissues.

Blisters

Loos 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.

Ear Pain

If your jaw and gums are experiencing pain from your loose dentures, it is likely that the pressure in your ears will build up as well. This can cause you to experience earaches and headaches.

Trouble Eating

When your dentures aren’t fitting properly, it can be much more difficult to eat. Afterall, no one wants to experience pain when they are trying to get food down. Not eating properly can result in nutritional deficiencies which can lead to all sorts of problems throughout the body.

Uneven Bite

Ill-fitting dentures can result in a bite that isn’t quite right. This can cause you to drool and could even result in an overgrowth of yeast. This means that an infection is possible in the future.

Atrophy of the Jawbone

The jawbone does not have the ability to form new tissue. When it is constantly being worn down by ill-fitting dentures applying uneven pressure, it could begin to dissolve.

If you notice that your dentures aren’t fitting how they used to, bring this up with your dentist. They may need to be relined, repaired, or replaced. By maintaining your dentures and seeing your dentist regularly, you can avoid the issues listed above and continue showing off your pearly whites with pride!

About the Author

Dr. John T. Thompson is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over three decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is a proud Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. Currently, he is also a member of the Texas Dental Association. If your dentures aren’t fitting how they used to, he would be happy to help. For more information about dentures or to schedule an appointment at his office in Corpus Christi, visit his website or call (361) 242-3151.