Removable dentures are a compromise in form and function for many who wear them. Whether it be with reduced cosmetic features, decreased taste sensation, difficulty chewing substantial foods, speech issues, or poor fit. Did you know there are complications that can arise from a poor fitting denture? Loose Denture Issues These can be broken down into short term and long term issues. It is important to note that you should openly communicate any issues you have with your dentist to ensure the best possible fit for you. Short Term Issues -Discomfort. When dentures do not fit properly, they place pressure against the gum tissues, rub against them, or feel uneven at certain spots. This may be slightly annoying at first, but over time, irritation, pain, and sores will continue to increase.-Speech problems. If your dentures do not fit properly, you will have difficulty speaking. Usually the first noticeable clue is the inability to pronounce simple sounds like the letter S.-Difficulty eating. Most people will struggle initally, with even the best fitting dentures, but when wearing a denture that does not fit quite right it will be even worse. Long-Term Issues Over time, any denture will loosen as the bone and gum tissues change. A denture that is loose from the beginning will only get worse over time. Below are some of the longer term issues you can experience.-Swollen Gum Tissues. When dentures are loose they will irritate the gum tissues. This constant irritation will get a response in the form of inflammation and swelling in the areas affected.-Development Of Sores And Blisters. Once an irritation occurs, mouth sores can develop. These can be quite painful.-Nutritional Issues. Patients with loose fitting dentures will change the way they eat to accomodate the loose dentures. This can lead to poor dietary habits.-Fungal infections. Poorly fitting dentures increase the risk of thrush, a fungal infection that results in painful white spots and red areas along the inside of the mouth. Thrush can also lead to difficulty swallowing, and may be spread to other regions of the body if not treated.-Bacterial infection: If tissue becomes exposed due to sores or cuts, it can become infected. Additionally, stomatitis is a common oral infection from loose dentures, which causes a red and swollen inflammation of the mouth.-Overuse of denture cream: When denture cream is perpetually used to secure loose dentures, patients may be overexposed to zinc. This has the potential to create symptoms of neuropathy, which temporarily or permanently numb various nerves in the body. Can Poor Fitting Dentures Be Fixed? If dentures are only slightly loose, dentures can be relined to give a better fit and more comfort. If the dentures are very loose then a new denture may be recommended. It is important to remember our mouths are constantly changing and this is especially true when the teeth are no longer present. Our teeth serve to maintain the bone levels in the mouth. Once those teeth are gone the bone will undergo remodeling. There are also marked changes in denture fit after severe weight loss.Dental implants provide a way to permanently secure dentures and ensure a proper fit. By installing as little as 4 dental implants, your dentures can benefit from increased stability, strength, and support. Moreover, dental implants help maintain your bone levels, reducing bone loss over time. Dentures Conclusion If you notice problems with your dentures when you first get them, don't overlook the issues. Communicate with your dentist. Tell them your concerns and see what options are available to you. There will always be compromises with removable dentures but comfort should not be one of them.© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist