Modern dentures are a fantastic way to restore a smile after extensive tooth loss because they are incredibly lifelike and so comfortable that someone wearing them might forget that they’re there. However, they need to fit properly in order to look great and work well. In addition to being uncomfortable, an ill-fitting pair of dentures can lead to significant problems for your oral health. Here are three signs that your dentures may need to be examined by a dental professional.
You’re Having Trouble Eating and Speaking
A well-fitting pair of dentures should hold its place in the mouth without any conscious effort on the part of the patient. If the appliance is no longer fitting properly, it can cause much difficulty with speaking and eating. When your dentures are slipping and sliding from their positions, it can be an ordeal to get a whole word out or to thoroughly chew a bite of food. An ill-fitting pair of dentures can cause a lisp during speech or even fall out in some cases, which can make a pleasant social situation suddenly quite embarrassing.
Your Dentures Are Causing Injury to the Rest of Your Mouth
If your dentures fit well, they should be flush with the rest of the mouth when you are wearing them and not cause any discomfort to your cheeks and gums. If you find that your gums are becoming irritated, inflamed, or swollen or if you are developing blisters on areas where your dentures tend to rub, it may be because they are no longer fitting properly. If the problem is allowed to continue, these injuries can become infected.
In some cases, an uneven bite resulting from ill-fitting dentures can result in saliva pooling at the corners of the mouth. This can lead to a nasty infection called angular cheilitis due to an overgrowth of yeast in these areas.
You Are Experiencing Frequent Headaches or Jaw Pain
Many patients do not realize that their frequent headaches are caused by their ill-fitting dentures and remain unaware of how the problem can be solved. Poorly fitting dentures can lead to an uneven bite, and chewing with an uneven bite can be tiresome for your jaw. If the muscles of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect your jawbone to your skull become inflamed, you may experience difficulty when moving your jaw as well as headaches.
If you believe your dentures are no longer fitting properly, your dentist can help you get the adjustments they need to start looking great and functioning properly again or a replacement if needed. With proper care, a pair of dentures can last for up to ten years.
About the Practice
Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas provides excellent dental health services to the community of Dallas, TX. Led by Drs. Scott Ludlow and Shayan Azimi, the experienced staff delivers exceptional results in a state-of-the-art facility. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture treatments. If you are concerned about your dentures’ fit, contact the office online or dial (469) 981-1700.