When your dentures don’t fit right, it’s hard for them to do the job they were designed to do, which is to help you chew food, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Worse yet, they can also cause a variety of uncomfortable side effects that can make wearing them a literal pain. Here are five lesser-known symptoms of improperly fitting dentures, and what you can do to prevent them.
Malnutrition
The main danger of poorly fitting dentures malnutrition. After all, if you can’t chew your food completely, you can’t absorb its nutrients, and you could become malnourished. This can in turn lead to a variety of systemic health problems that affect your entire body.
Pain and Sores
Loose dentures can become very abrasive to your gums and soft tissues, causing chafing and discomfort when you attempt to eat, speak, or chew. Conversely, if they’re too tight, they can apply excess pressure to your gums, creating uncomfortable denture sores. In addition to being painful, this can also leave your mouth vulnerable to infections that could require antibiotics to cure.
Speech Problems
When your dentures don’t fit properly, it can be difficult to speak clearly. When your tongue is unable to touch them in the right places to create certain sounds, you may speak with a lisp that could make it embarrassing for you to talk. This could in turn cause you to avoid speaking or social interaction, increasing feelings of sadness, depression, and isolation.
TMJ Disorders
Known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), this is the portion of the jaw that connects to the rest of the skull and is responsible for mouth movement. When it becomes stressed, it can be extremely painful and maybe even misaligned, leading to a TMJ disorder. It can even cause neck, head, and shoulder aches, tinnitus (ringing of the ears) and pain and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
Embarrassment
Slipping dentures can be very embarrassing. Enough so that many people withdraw socially when their prosthetics stop fitting correctly. This can not only make it harder to socialize and increase feelings of isolation, but it can also rob you of self-confidence and hold you back from excelling both personally and professionally.
Stopping Improper Fit
While improperly fitting dentures can cause a host of pesky problems, the good news is that your dentist may be able to help. In some cases, a denture reline procedure may be able to correct your prosthetics and provide a comfortable fit without needing to replace them. However, in other cases, a bad fit may be a sign that it’s time to upgrade to a new pair. Keep in mind that these prosthetics weren’t designed to last forever, and that you should expect to replace them every five to ten years.
Remember, although poorly fitting dentures can be painful and challenging, your dentist is here to help restore your smile. Don’t let a bad fit hold you back. Schedule an appointment for a denture examination with your dentist today.
About Our Practice
At Jacksonville Dental Excellence, Dr. Rose Johnson and Dr. Ryan Johnson are proud to offer a variety of tooth replacement options, including durable, versatile dentures. Whether you have ill-fitting prosthetics that could benefit from repair, or it’s time to upgrade to a new pair, we’re here to help give you back the gorgeous smile you deserve. To schedule an appointment for dentures, visit our website or call us today at 904-895-4536.