Ideally, your lower denture should have a secure and snug fit. It should remain in place as you eat and speak throughout the day, and you should be able to confidently rely on it to function well. But what if it keeps slipping out of place? That can be frustrating and uncomfortable! What can explain why a lower denture keeps slipping out of place, and how can you fix this issue? This blog post explains.
Reasons for a Slipping Lower Denture
Usually, when a denture keeps slipping out of place, it is because it does not fit quite right. A poor fit can occur for a few reasons:
- Your mouth has changed. After the natural teeth are extracted, it is normal for the jawbone to change shape. This is an ongoing process, and as time passes, it can affect how a denture fits.
- The denture is damaged. If you dropped your denture or accidentally exposed it to very high temperatures, it could have become warped.
- The denture is of poor quality. Sometimes, “bargain” dentures are not well-made. They may have a poor fit right from the time they are created.
Of course, even a well-fitting denture may slip out of place sometimes. This is especially likely to happen if you are new to your prosthetic and have not yet fully adapted to using it.
How to Keep Your Denture in Place
Here are a few suggestions that might help you keep your prosthetic teeth exactly where they belong:
- Ask your dentist about a reline. During a reline, your dentist will add material to the base of your denture so it has a more secure fit. However, if you have already had your dentures for more than 5 – 7 years, a reline might not be a suitable solution. You could need a whole new denture.
- Have your dentist inspect your denture for damage. Some repairs can be completed in a dental office, but others require the help of a laboratory. If the damage is severe, you might need to replace your prosthetic.
- Try adhesive. Adhesive can add a bit more security to the way your denture fits.
- Consider upgrading to implant dentures. Implant dentures are anchored in the mouth by prosthetic tooth roots (dental implants). They should never slip out of place. They also help to preserve the jawbone’s natural structure, so you can expect them to retain their fit for many years.
A slipping lower denture is annoying! Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your teeth in place.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group in Woodbridge, our large team of dentists and specialists is proud to provide a comprehensive range of services, including dentures, denture maintenance, and implant dentures. If you are struggling to get full functionality and security from your prosthetic teeth, we would be happy to help you find a suitable solution. Contact our office at 203-781-8051.