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When it comes to dentures, many patients think the lower kind is always steady. The idea is that gravity would keep the prosthetic in place. Sadly, though, this assumption isn’t always true. A lower denture can sometimes loosen and slip over time. When that happens, you might struggle to eat, speak, or even smile. Luckily, your Baytown dentist knows a few ways to fix the issue. Here, then, is a summary of what causes loose lower dentures and how to keep them stable.
The Causes of a Loose Lower Denture
Though many don’t, some lower dentures fit too loosely. As a result, the latter get unsteady and shift at the worst times. The causes of such looseness include the following:
A Flat or Negative Ridge
Normally, a lower denture stays in place if your jaw has the proper bone height and width. (A secure fit is even likelier if your lower ridge is U-shaped.) The right dimensions will support the prosthetic and keep it from shifting.
Things change, though, if you’ve been without teeth for a while. Your lower jawbone will have eroded and flattened in that case. From there, your jaw would lack the bone tissue to support the denture.
Poorly-Aligned Denture Teeth
To be clear, most lower dentures are well-made and functional. Their design (at most) only needs a bit of adhesive for extra security. That said, some aren’t aligned correctly.
In particular, a lower denture’s borders may be too long or short. If so, the prosthetic won’t form a good and solid seal with your mouth. The denture will then easily slip or move around.
How to Secure a Loose Lower Denture
Luckily, you have the power to make a lower denture more secure. Consider the approaches listed below:
- Use Adhesives – If needed, a denture adhesive could secure your lower restoration. Just use three small dots’ worth. Note, though, that an adhesive can’t help a poorly-shaped denture.
- Get a Denture Reline – You could always have a dentist reline your denture. By doing so, its base would be better adapted to your ridge anatomy.
- Practice Often – Often enough, patients can train their face and tongue to steady lower dentures. However, this step requires changing your eating and speaking habits.
- Consider Implant Dentures – If all else fails, use dental implants to secure your lower dentures. These posts would fuse with your jaw, ensuring the connected teeth are stable.
Ultimately, a loose lower denture doesn’t have to hold you back. Try out the tips above and get a steadier smile!
About the Practice
Baytown Gentle Dental is based in Baytown, TX. Led by Dr. Ashraf Seif, our practice strives to give each patient their dream smile! We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care. Naturally, then, our team can provide great lower dentures and other replacement teeth! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or call us at (281)-837-9122.
