Fixing Lower Denture Problems

If you’re finding that your bottom dentures hurt or aren’t fitting appropriately, the team at Emergency Denture Repairs is here to help. Loose lower dentures can cause a huge range of problems that should be dealt with as quickly as possible to improve the comfort and function of your mouth. In this article, we’re exploring the problems with bottom dentures and what our team can do to help.

What Are Some Common Problems with Bottom Dentures

Your dentures will be custom designed and manufactured to fit your unique jaw. It may take a few appointments and minor adjustments to make them fit perfectly, so it’s important to be patient throughout the process. People with full upper and lower dentures often report a looser fit in the lower section, and problems include:

• Looseness while speaking – Lower dentures tend to be less stable and retentive compared to upper dentures due to the movements of the tongue, cheeks, and lower jaw. 
• Looseness while eating – Bottom dentures may not provide the same biting force as natural teeth, making it challenging to chew tough or hard foods. 
• Movement and wrong alignment when opening the mouth widely – The lower jaw often has a flatter ridge compared to the upper jaw, which can make it more difficult for a denture to sit securely
• Pain and discomfort during the day – Ill-fitting or improperly adjusted lower dentures can cause sore spots, gum irritation, and discomfort. Continuous rubbing or pressure on the gums can lead to painful ulcers and sores.

The main cause of these issues is the way the lower jaw works. It can be difficult to achieve a complete seal of the denture borders on the lower jaw because there must be space for the tongue and cheeks, requiring plenty of room for movement.

What Causes Lower Denture Problems?

Denture problems can be caused by a variety of factors, both related to the denture itself and the oral environment of the wearer. The main causes of lower denture problems include:

• Inadequate denture border length – the sides of the denture must be the correct width and length to create a perfect seal
• Resorption of the ridge or bone – when teeth are removed, the jaw starts to disappear which can make the denture less stable
• Warped base of the dentures – if the denture is allowed to dry out, its base can start to warp
• Jaw movements – the ridge of the jaw may change over time and it will feel as though the denture no longer fits
• Decreased amount and quality of saliva – inadequate saliva can affect the suction ability of the denture and may be caused by medicine or medical conditions

It’s important to understand that dentures aren’t the same as natural teeth. Patients need to learn to control the tongue, cheeks and different chewing mechanisms of the denture to ensure the denture stays in the right position. The overall function of your mouth will be considered when your dentures are first designed, and this may require revision over time.

Fixing Lower Denture Problems

There are a few solutions to correct problems with bottom dentures, and your clinician will talk you through your options before choosing the right pathway for your oral health. Some common fixes include:

• Use of Adhesives: Denture adhesives can help improve the retention of lower dentures by creating a stronger bond between the denture and the gums. However, adhesives should be used as directed and not as a substitute for proper denture fit.
• Adjustments by Dentist: A dentist can make adjustments to the denture to alleviate pressure points, improve fit, and enhance comfort. This may involve adjusting the shape or thickness of the denture base or adjusting the bite.
• Soft Liners: Soft liners can be applied to the surface of the denture to provide cushioning and improve comfort, particularly for individuals with sensitive gums or bony ridges.
• Proper Oral Care: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for the health of the gums and underlying bone, which can impact the fit of dentures. Proper cleaning of the denture and oral tissues can help prevent irritation and inflammation.
• Proper Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet with adequate nutrition can help maintain the health of oral tissues and support proper denture function.
• Speech and Chewing Exercises: Practicing speech and chewing exercises can help individuals adapt to wearing lower dentures and improve their function over time.

If the shape of your jawbone has changed, your denture specialist may choose to perform a hard reline of the denture to readapt the base to the current ridge of your mouth. We may also suggest that the denture is completely remade in order to achieve the best possible results. This process will normally take 2 to 5 visits, and the new denture will be more comfortable and last far longer than an ill-fitting one.

Finally, you may be an ideal candidate for a more permanent solution to missing teeth. In this case, your clinician will discuss the benefits of choosing dental implants that look and feel like natural teeth. Dental implants are sturdier and permanent, removing all issues you may have with the fit of your denture.

Need Lower Denture Repairs in Perth?

At Emergency Denture Repairs, our experienced team provides a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry to clients in Perth including providing full or partial dentures. We believe everyone deserves to smile with confidence as well as speak and eat with ease. That’s why we’re committed to providing excellence in dentistry.

We accept all major health funds and have six convenient clinics throughout Perth as well as a mobile service. To discuss the possible fixes to your lower denture problems, call (08) 9382 2222, book an appointment online or find your closest location.