Most denture complaints involve lower dentures. The number one lower denture concern is a loose or ill-fitting lower denture. Upper dentures have suction and tend to be fairly stable in the mouth. This is largely impart due to the fact that the upper jaw or maxilla is attached to the skull and does not move around like the lower jaw. The tongue is also not involved with the borders of the upper denture as it is in the lower, which allows for an air-tight seal around the borders of the upper denture.
The lower denture does not have these advantages, and to top it off there is usually a lot of bone loss in the lower jaw, which in turn offers a very poor base to support a lower denture. Often when people try to eat with a lower denture the poor availability of a supporting base, accompanied by pulling on the denture from the strong muscles of the tongue causes the lower denture to move. This movement, besides making the denture uncomfortable to eat with also causes secondary problems such as, sore spots, and poor biting force.
What can you do about a loose lower denture:
First, see your Denturist to assess the true cause of your problem. If the problem is related to severe bone loss, your Denturist may recommend looking into having dental implants to help retain or support your denture. In some instances as the bone is changing and remodeling over time, the denture may just need a simple procedure known as a reline to help refit the denture to the changes that have occurred in the mouth. A reline is usually done the same day and for many people can bring relief. If both implants and relines are not a possibility over the counter zinc-free adhesives like polygrip can be helpful in retaining your denture. Call our office for more information on how to fix your loose dentures.