Missing teeth is a severe and widespread problem; in fact, it’s estimated that around 35 million Americans are missing all of their teeth! That said, help is readily available and restorative solutions like dentures are able to effectively replace those lost pearly whites, allowing patients to eat, talk, and laugh with ease once more. However, dentures can only function properly if they fit—and there are several consequences to wearing ill-fitting dentures. Read on to learn about five different complications that can arise if your dentures don’t fit correctly.
1. Swollen Gums & Soreness
Dentures rely on a combination of adhesives, suction, and muscle control to stay in place inside your mouth, but it’s not always easy for them to remain stable! Even simply moving your jaw can sometimes cause them to slip and slide around—and if your dentures don’t correctly fit the curves and contours of your mouth, they can rub against the soft tissue and cause irritation and inflammation. Swollen gums are much more susceptible to injuries and bleeding, and you can also develop uncomfortable blisters that grow and multiply.
2. Trouble with Speech
Your tongue and teeth play an essential role in speech, assisting you with the pronunciation of certain words and sounds. If your dentures are slipping and sliding around your mouth while you talk, social situations and conversations can quickly become awkward. Poor fitting dentures can cause you to stutter or slur your words, and they might even fall out of your mouth during regular conversation.
3. Difficulty Eating
Everybody loves to eat but fueling up becomes difficult if you can’t properly chew your food! Similar to when you’re speaking, you run the risk of your dentures shifting and falling out while you’re eating if they don’t properly fit your mouth. This drastically reduces your chewing power, which will negatively influence your body’s overall nutrition. Not to mention, there’s also a chance of food particles becoming lodged between your gums and dentures, which can lead to gum disease and infection if left untreated.
4. Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Dentures that don’t fit correctly can also pose a threat to your pre-existing teeth. If you have partial dentures that aren’t secured, they can actually grate on your adjacent teeth and wear down their enamel. This can lead to chips, cracks, and other kinds of painful dental emergencies!
5. Angular Cheilitis
If your dentures don’t properly align and you have an uneven bite, saliva can sometimes pool near the corners of your mouth. This can result in a nasty bacterial infection caused by the overgrowth of yeast. Angular cheilitis appears as red irritated streaks or patches on one or both corners of the mouth, and it’s quite itchy and painful.
Your dentures are meant to help your smile; but they can actually harm it if they aren’t properly situated! That said, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist if you suspect your dentures don’t fit well; none of these consequences are worth it!
About the Practice
The team at Smile Rejuvenations of Southwest Florida is honored to serve patients and families in the Estero community under the leadership of Dr. Breanne Dufault. Her practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including restorative options like dentures. If you have any questions about dentures or would like to arrange a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone: (239) 300-2767.