Your dentures should fit your gums snugly but comfortably. Ideally, you should be able to eat and speak with confidence — without worrying that your prosthetic will slip out of place. But what if your lower denture just refuses to stay where it belongs? This blog post explores what might be causing the problem and how you may be able to solve it.
Why Does Your Lower Denture Keep Slipping?
In most cases, a denture slips out of place because it does not fit well. Some common reasons for a poor fit include:
- Changes to the shape and size of your jawbone. After the extraction of your natural teeth, a process known as resorption began. Basically, that means your jawbone started to shrink! Eventually, changes to its shape and size can affect how well your denture fits.
- Damaged dentures. Dentures can easily warp if they are exposed to hot temperatures (for example, if you accidentally use extremely hot water to clean them). They can also incur damage if they are dropped or mishandled.
- Low-quality prosthetics. Some people choose to purchase “bargain” dentures that do not fit as well as they should.
Also, keep in mind that even if your lower denture fits well, it might slip out of place from time to time. This is especially likely if you are new to your prosthetic. Once you get used to wearing it, you can expect it to stay in place.
What Can You Do About a Slipping Lower Denture?
Here are some suggestions that might help you deal with a slipping denture:
- Ask your dentist about getting a reline. This involves adding material to the base of your denture so it has a more secure fit.
- Apply some adhesive. Often, natural suction is enough to keep a lower denture in place. However, a bit of adhesive is useful in some cases.
- Find out if you need a new denture. It is often best to replace an old, damaged, or low-quality denture with a completely new one.
- Consider getting implant dentures. Implant dentures are secured in the mouth by prosthetic tooth roots. They have almost no risk of slippage. They can also prevent changes to the jawbone’s size and shape.
You should not have to endure the hassle and embarrassment of a slipping lower denture! Use the suggestions in this article to keep your prosthetic teeth right where they belong.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page is a highly skilled dentist who has completed extensive training in various areas of her profession. She and our Schenectady dental team are proud to offer traditional dentures, denture maintenance services, and implant dentures. If you have any questions or concerns about your prosthetic teeth, we would be pleased to assist you. Contact Capital Smiles at 518-374-0317.