Solutions for Loose Dentures

It is not just inconvenient and humiliating to have loose dentures. They may even end up posing a risk to your dental health over time. Unfortunately for denture users, looseness is a common long-term side effect of this sort of dental care. There are several solutions available when it comes to repairing a loose denture, which range from quick repairs in the office to permanent modifications to your denture that can endure for years.

Causes of loose dentures

Dentures are held in place by the gums. Unfortunately, when the jaw no longer has to support natural teeth, bone loss will begin. The gumline weakens and recedes as the bones deteriorate. This is known as resorption, and it is the most common reason for loose dentures.

Many people are unaware that wearing dentures that do not fit properly might create health issues in the short and long term. Friction occurs at the gum line due to loose dentures. While this may seem insignificant at first, the persistent irritation caused by the moving plastic eventually leads to sores. Worsening inflammation is not only unpleasant, but it can also increase the risk of oral cancer if left untreated. As a result, patients need to make an appointment with the dentist as soon as they notice that their dentures are loose to discuss the situation and get it fixed as soon as possible.

Common solutions for loose dentures include:

New denture adhesive

Getting a new adhesive is an easy but temporary remedy. Getting a paste with a tighter grip and greater fill might help while considering longer-term choices.

Soft relining

A soft relining is a simple in-office technique for remolding the internal lining of the dentures. Cleaning the dentures and adding polymer to the tray are the first steps in the procedure. The denture tray is then replaced in the mouth to take shape, resulting in a more secure and comfortable fit. This solution can suffice for months to years depending on the extent of the loosening, offering patients a dependable and inexpensive treatment.

Hard relining

This relining is comparable to its less long-term sibling. Unlike soft relining, newly fabricated dentures are transported to a lab where hard denture plastic is permanently used to reshape the tray. While this provides a more lasting fit overall, the operation is more costly and takes a lot of time. The dentures will also be unavailable for a few days while they are being repaired at the lab, which is inconvenient for many people.

Dental implants

Finally, the dentist may prescribe implant-supported dentures for qualified patients. Implant posts are placed in the jaw to provide a secure foundation for the dentures. Although the treatment is invasive and expensive, it is one of the most effective techniques to reduce denture adjustment. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure since their bones may not be strong enough to sustain implant posts.

In conclusion

When problems with dentures are discovered early, they are usually simple to cure and maintain. If you are unsure which approach is best for your long-term dental health, seeing a dentist can help you make an informed choice about loose dentures.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonbalboa.com or call Smiles On Balboa General, Esthetic, and Implant Dentistry at (415) 413-2237 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.

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