Why Does My Denture Not Fit Properly?

Poor-fitting dentures can be due to several reasons, including how long you have had your dentures. If denture adhesive isn't adequate to secure the denture or if it's causing pain or a gagging sensation, you should see your dentist to assess the fit of your denture. Ignoring a bad-fitting denture can wreak havoc in your mouth and lead to painful irritations or sores. 

The Mouth Changes

Over time the shape of the mouth changes, and the bony dental arch the denture suctions to can shrink. The body maintains bone by responding to the biting force applied to the bone. There is less biting pressure on dentures than on natural teeth. 

Since there is less force, the body reabsorbs the bone leaving less bone for the denture to hold on to. It is common for a denture to be re-fitted to accommodate the changing shape of your mouth. 

New to Dentures

If you are new to dentures, it is likely in the beginning that you will need some minor adjustments to the denture to accommodate how you bite. You may be applying more pressure in some spots than others, or the mouth's bony ridge and gum tissue is still shrinking from healing after dental extractions.

It is typical for new denture patients to need several readjustments to address if there are any high spots, uneven biting pressure, or readjust from gum shrinkage. 

Damage

If the denture isn't correctly maintained, this can also cause the denture to warp. When soaking your denture in water, be sure not to drop it into hot water to avoid warping.

Additionally, dentures are for wet environments, so leaving a denture out in the air for extended periods of time can cause the denture to wear out and lose its original shape.

What can you do if your denture isn't fitting properly

First, try denture adhesive. The adhesive works by creating a suction between the gum and denture. It also provides a small layer of shock absorbency to lessen the biting force directly exerted on your gums.

If you are experiencing soreness, it may also be due to an infection. Infection is common in denture patients who don’t give their gums time to breathe without the denture. A denture should be removed daily to allow your gums to rest. 

However, if the denture is not staying in place or is rubbing, you need to visit your dentist. The dentist can adjust the denture by filing material away or adding material to the base. If the changes are too extreme, a new denture may be required.

Conclusion

It is natural to have some discomfort and awkwardness early on, but if you have pain and the denture is not staying in place you need to seek your dentist to assess creating a better fit. 

If you are a seasoned denture wearer and the fit has changed, it is time to see your dentist to assess what has changed or if the denture has been damaged. A painful experience should not be ignored and needs prompt attention.