Dentures are a viable and convenient way to replace missing teeth. Not only can they support your jaw and face, but they’ll boost your confidence in your smile again! That’s why it’s important to ensure that they’re placed perfectly in your mouth. Keep reading to learn several complications that can be caused by ill-fitting dentures.
#1: Trouble Talking
Being able to speak clearly while wearing dentures is crucial for your mental health. While it can be challenging to learn how to talk with your restorations, it becomes even more difficult if they constantly move or shift out of place. The longer this continues, the more embarrassing it can feel during social interactions when speaking is required.
#2: Eating Issues
Not only can ill-fitting dentures move around too much, but they can also cause discomfort when trying to eat a meal. This can make it tricky to maintain a healthy diet while also enjoying your food. Food particles might also get stuck between your dentures and gums, which can increase your risk of infection and gum disease.
#3: Sore Gum Tissues
If your dentures shift out of place often, they can cause unnecessary friction and pressure against your gums. Over time, this can cause your tissues to swell and become irritated, making your gum line more vulnerable to injuries and sensitivity. This is especially uncomfortable if you’re already experiencing a jawbone disorder like the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
#4: Angular Cheilitis
Ill-fitting dentures can make it difficult to keep a properly aligned bite. While this is crucial for eating food more easily, it also prevents your saliva from pooling near the corners of your mouth. If this occurs, it can result in a bacterial infection known as angular cheilitis. This condition is due to the overgrowth of yeast, appearing as red and itchy patches or streaks in the corners of the mouth.
#5: Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Your dentures are designed to support your jawbone structure as well as any other remaining teeth. With ill-fitting ones, you risk potentially grating and harming your adjacent pearly whites. This can gradually wear down your enamel, causing them to be thinner, uncomfortable, and even susceptible to further damage or tooth loss.
If your dentures don’t fit properly, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist. They’ll be able to assess your situation, detect the root problem, and provide the necessary adjustments or replacements to help you enjoy your restored smile!
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean graduated with his dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and continues to seek advanced education to stay on top of the latest developments in dentistry. He’s also a member of several prestigious groups including the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American and Georgia Dental Associations. He provides multiple comprehensive treatments, including dentures and dental implants for a full dental restoration. If you have ill-fitting dentures and need treatment, feel free to visit our website or call 770-786-3915.