Watch Out for These Signs that Your Dentures Need to be Adjusted
Posted on: 12 October 2016
People often think that dentures never need to be modified, but this is not the case. As you age, the shape of your bones and gums can change, causing the dentures you use to fit improperly. It can feel a little odd and unsettling to have dentures that previously felt just fine start to feel a little off. However, your dentist will be able to adjust them to compensate for the changes to your bones and gums, though they may need to be replaced entirely if those changes are significant.
Adjusting your dentures is never something that you should do yourself; what you can do is recognise any signs that an adjustment is needed. It's best to catch the problem early, so make sure you pay attention to the following red flags.
Discomfort While Chewing
One of the main reasons people use dentures is to restore the ability to eat the foods they enjoyed when they still had their own teeth, so it can be troubling to start experiencing pain while you chew. If you notice any difficulties, it could simply be that your dentures no longer fit properly. You might not experience discomfort, but you could notice that chewing feels a little harder than it used to.
Facial Changes
Dentures are also important because of their ability to keep your cheeks and lips looking full; if you find that your cheeks or your jawline looks a little different, your dentures probably need to be adjusted. Changes can occur so subtly that you don't really notice them, so try asking a good friend if they can see anything different.
Poor Fit
One thing that people with dentures fear is their dentures coming loose while talking or eating. Unfortunately, dentures that need to be adjusted are more likely to do this. A top set should hold suction against your gums while a bottom set should float just above them. In both cases, they should stay securely in place. If you find them slipping with increasing regularity, they might need readjusting. Those slips might only be minor, but they still indicate an underlying problem.
Sores, Bleeding, and Inflammation
If your dentures become significantly poorly-fitted to your mouth, they will begin to place more than the usual amount of pressure on parts of your gums. This commonly results in sores, bleeding, and inflammation. Remember, such conditions can make wearing even your newly-adjusted dentures uncomfortable, so make sure you pay attention to any areas of irritation and see your dentist as soon as you can.
Share