A denture that shifts and rubs against the mucous membranes can cause inflammation, gum pain, sores, and even infections in the mouth. A denture can become ill-fitting for many reasons; however, if you experience any persistent symptoms, you should see your dentist to prevent complications. Remember that it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene using high-quality products and specifically designed for removable dentures, as well as following some basic tips. 

What if the prosthesis doesn't fit properly?

Dental prostheses must fit well against the gums and the shape of the mouth, which is why the dentist usually makes several fittings until it is stable. They must ensure that it is functional and comfortable, allowing you to speak and chew normally. If not, the prosthesis would end up shifting, causing a range of oral health problems. 

1. Swollen gums and sores

A poorly fitting dental prosthesis ends up putting more pressure on certain areas of the gums than others, causing discomfort and inflammation in the tissues beneath the prosthesis. This inflammation is known as denture stomatitis. If the problem persists, the tissues become become more sensitive: redness, a velvety texture on the palate, and discomfort or a burning sensation in the area appear.

In areas where removable dentures frequently rub against the gums, sores or small wounds often develop, causing a burning or stinging sensation; they may even bleed slightly. If left untreated, these lesions take longer to heal and keep coming back. 

2. Difficulty chewing and speaking

A loose denture can shift when biting or chewing, making it difficult to chew food. This may cause the affected person to avoid hard or fibrous foods, chew on only one side, and experience indigestion. Furthermore, this movement also makes it difficult to articulate certain sounds clearly, communication becomes less clear, and it can cause self-consciousness.

Even if the dentures fit well, it’s worth noting that chewing ability is not the same as with natural teeth. Removable dentures typically restore less than 20% of the original chewing force.

3. Oral infections

Wounds caused by dentures make it easier for bacteria and fungi to enter the body, leading to infections, persistent inflammation, and bad breath. The inflammation is associated with fungal infections of the genus Candida, especially when the dentures are worn for many hours at a time or are not removed at night. Ill-fitting dentures also promote the buildup of bacterial plaque if oral hygiene is inadequate.

Reasons Why Removable Dentures May Become Loose

There are other reasons why dentures may start to shift: bone resorption, wear and tear on the dentures, and physical changes.

1. Bone resorption

It is important to know that the jawbone can shrink over time; this process is called bone resorption, and changes in the shape of the gums may also occur. Even if the dentures fit well at first, adjustments are always necessary after a few years.

2. Wear and tear on the prosthesis

Daily use causes the materials that make up the removable dentures to wear down or become misshapen over time. The dentures lose stability and no longer fit snugly to the gums, causing uneven contact with certain areas of the mouth.

3. Physical changes

Certain physical changes a person goes through can affect the shape of their mouth, causing their dentures to no longer fit as well as they used to: weight loss or gain, the natural aging process, and changes that may occur in the structure of the face. 

When it's time to visit the dentist to have your dentures checked

Any of the symptoms caused by ill-fitting dentures that we mentioned earlier are warning signs that you should have checked by your dentist: persistent pain, sores or wounds that are slow to heal, difficulty chewing, or swollen or irritated gums. Of course, the most obvious cases are those in which the denture is broken or deformed. 

Your dentist can help you re-line your removable dentures—that is, to adapt them to the new shape of your gums—or suggest a new set of dentures if necessary. In many cases, a simple adjustment can eliminate discomfort with your dentures and make them functional again.

Tips for preventing problems with removable dentures

1. Practice good oral hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is extremely important for preventing infections and irritation. It is recommended that clean your dentures after every meal using products specifically designed for denture care, and brush your gums, tongue, and palate as directed by your dentist.

2. Take out your dentures at night

Many dentists recommend removing dentures before going to sleep so that the gums can rest and recover from daily friction. This helps keep the tissues healthy and prevents inflammation and possible infections caused by bacterial buildup.

3. Get regular checkups

Even if you don't feel any discomfort with your dentures or haven't noticed any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's best to visit the dentist once a year so they can check your removable dentures, examine the health of your gums, and see if there have been any changes in your jaw. 

Needless to say, it is not advisable to try to fix your dentures at home, as this can make the problem worse. All adjustments must be made by a specialist. 

Adjusting to a new dental prosthesis: what’s normal and what isn’t

When you get a removable dentures for the first time , it’s normal for your mouth to need some time to adjust to the “foreign object.” During the first few days or weeks , you may experience a strange sensation, as if something doesn’t quite fit, you may start to salivate more than usual, and you may feel slight discomfort when chewing. 

These symptoms should gradually disappear as you get used to the dentures. Your gums will adjust to the pressure, and both your tongue and jaw will learn to move in a way that makes speaking and eating feel natural. Any abnormalities should be reported to your dentist.