Dentures have helped millions of people return to a complete smile once again. They not only boost your confidence with a full set of pearly whites but allow you to speak and eat with ease. However, if your lower dentures begin to slip out of place on a regular basis, it can take the joy away from wearing your prosthetic. Read on to learn why they may be loose and tips on how to secure them.
Possible Reasons for Lower Denture Slippage
While many people think loose dentures mostly happen to upper dentures, it is actually more common for lower dentures. Since they do not adhere to a large, stationary surface, they are more likely to cause problems with slipping out of place. Lower denture shifting can be caused by:
Unaligned Denture Teeth
While most bottom dentures are made to be stable and functional, they still may need a bit of adhesive for extra security. However, if a patient wants their dentures to be set in front of the ridge, it can compromise how well their prosthetic will fit, even with adhesive. Whether it’s to make their lips look fuller or just because that’s their preference, seating the denture in this area will come at the expense of function. You will have more trouble eating or speaking without it moving.
A Negative Ridge
Lower dentures are more likely to stay in place with good bone height and width. They will fit even better if the relevant ridge is U-shaped. Unfortunately, some patients have had deterioration of their jawbone due to tooth loss, which impacts how well a lower denture can fit. A negative ridge will have trouble properly supporting a denture and as a result, will feel loose much of the time.
How Can You Secure Your Lower Dentures?
No matter the cause, there are still ways to help your lower denture fit more securely. Here are some helpful tips:
- Apply Denture Adhesive: Using a denture adhesive is very likely to help keep a bottom denture in place. By placing three small dots on the prosthetic before placing it in the mouth, there should be more stability than ever.
- Practice and Train: As with most things in life, practice is essential to success. By training the face and tongue muscles to adjust to using dentures, the prosthetic can remain firmly in place. With slight alterations in eating and speaking habits, the mouth can begin to easily accommodate the oral appliance.
- Consider Implant Dentures: For a more consistent and stable smile, implant dentures are the way to go. By attaching the prosthetic to biocompatible steel posts that are inserted into the jaw, the denture will remain firmly in place.
Your complete smile with dentures should be comfortable and stable. By implementing these helpful tips and visiting your dentist for extra assistance, you can count on your lower prosthetic to stay in place.
About the Author
Dr. Chris J. Devlin keeps the smiles of State College whole, healthy, and beautiful. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and is associated with the prestigious Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute. With the use of advanced dental technology and customized plans, he offers a full range of services, including restorative care like full, partial, and implant dentures. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (814) 238-3553.