The Causes of Loose Dentures and How to Fix Them

One of the most common queries asked of our knowledgeable denture specialists is how to fix loose dentures. From issues with suction to painful side effects, many patients are looking to improve the fit and functionality of their slack dentures. 

Particularly with lower dentures, the constant jaw movement and shifting of teeth can result in dentures feeling less stable over time. If you’ve ever said to yourself “I wish my dentures fit better!”, then read on to learn typical causes of loose dentures, and how to improve their fit to feel like natural teeth again.

Main symptoms of loose dentures

Common complaints heard by experienced denture specialists focus around the replacement teeth not fitting properly, seeming loose, and feeling like they’re going to fall off. None of these situations are ideal, as the smallest oral discomfort can lead to issues with speaking and eating in comfort.

If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, it’s time to consult with professional about whether you need a denture refitting or repair, to improve your quality of life:

• Pain during use
• Loose fit when eating / chewing
• Loose fit when speaking
• Opening your mouth widely result in looseness

What are the common causes of loose dentures?

Everyone’s mouth is slightly different, so it’s natural there are multiple potential reasons for having loose dentures. The only way to determine the actual cause of your unique issues is to consult with trained specialists in denture provision and repair.

• Denture base becomes warped: the bottom of the denture touching your gums can become dry and distorted over time when left out of the mouth for too long. 
• Poorly functioning seal: if the sides of your dentures are not the correct length or width for your mouth, there cannot be good retention, and therefore an adequate seal holding the dentures in place. 
• Remaining bone reabsorbed: dentures require full support from the gums and bone left after teeth are removed to make way for new synthetic chompers, but in some cases this remaining bone disappears back into the jaw, leaving unstable dentures.
• Not enough saliva: normal saliva production is essential for denture retention, so when there’s a decrease in the amount of saliva created (due to medication side-effects or other medical conditions), it becomes tricky for dentures to remain firmly in place.

How can I fix loose dentures?

Depending on the cause of your issues, there are multiple options available to fix loose dentures. The first step is for your experienced dentist to carry out an oral exam, to determine the best option to improve the fit of your dentures. 

Typical fixes focus around a denture refitting, to complete a hard reline of your denture to ensure it correctly fits the ridges of your mouth, or remaking your dentures should a reline not be possible. 

Work with denture experts at EDR

The most efficient way to fix loose dentures is to consult with trusted prosthodontists at a denture specialist clinic like EDR. While normal dentists can examine and advise, in depth knowledge of denture issues is required for an accurate, customised fix to your unique fit problem. Contact us today with any queries, or to book an appointment.