Dentures are a great way to replace natural teeth, but when they don’t fit properly, they can cause more problems than they solve. Ill-fitting dentures are a leading cause of pain, embarrassment, and even long-term oral health issues. If you’re concerned for your prosthetics, continue reading. You’ll find five of the most common complications of ill-fitting dentures and see why it’s important to get professional help for your smile.
1. Mouth Sores and Irritation
When dentures rub against your gums or the inside of your cheeks, they can create painful sores. Over time, these spots may become infected, making it uncomfortable to wear your dentures at all.
2. Consistent Slipping or Speech Issues
Slipping dentures can make chewing some tougher foods nearly impossible. You may also notice changes in your speech, like slurring or clicking sounds, which can feel embarrassing when talking to friends, family, or co-workers.
3. Faster Jawbone Loss
While dentures don’t prevent jawbone loss, they can slow the process. However, when they don’t fit snugly, they can actually accelerate bone loss, which makes your dentures fit even worse over time. It’s a vicious cycle that only a dentist can help you break.
4. Gum Infections
Food particles and bacteria can more easily slip under loose dentures. If left alone for long enough, consistent buildup can cause gum inflammation or infection. This can, in turn, lead to swelling, bad breath, and even tooth loss if you still have some natural teeth.
5. Reduced Cognition and Quality of Life
Ill-fitting dentures don’t just affect the way you eat or talk—they can also take a toll on your body and self-esteem. Research from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey shows that chewing activates brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
These regions are essential for memory and executive function, so when loose prosthetics don’t perform well at their job, it can contribute to cognitive decline. This, combined with isolation and depression, can lower your overall quality of life. So, if you haven’t been feeling as “sharp” or “like yourself” lately, it could be your dentures.
Your prosthetics should help you live comfortably, not cause pain or embarrassment. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t wait. Schedule a visit with your dentist to adjust or replace your dentures. A proper fit is more important than you may think!
About the Practice
At Norton Family Dentistry, our team of expert dentists will always take the time to ensure your dentures fit well and function comfortably. We also value patient education, helping you build good oral habits and avoid complications. If you’re ready to reclaim your smile, call (508) 226-1686 to schedule a denture consultation with our phenomenal team. You can also visit our website to book online or find a full menu of services.
