My Lower Denture Keeps Slipping; How Can I Fix That?

Dentures are remarkable prosthetic appliances that have allowed countless people to replace their missing teeth with beautiful and lifelike restorations that enhance their chewing power and speaking ability. However, lower dentures sometimes have trouble staying in place, especially if the patient has been using the same device for a long time. Here’s a quick guide to why your lower denture may not fit properly, how you may be able to address this problem at home, and how your dentist can help.

Why Does My Lower Denture Keep Slipping?

While your dentures should fit incredibly well after you get used to wearing them, they can become more uncomfortable and likely to slip over time due to wear and tear or the changing shape of the mouth. The stress of repeated use can erode the components of your dentures and wear down the points of contact they have with your gums, which can affect their ability to sit securely. Tooth loss will also allow the jawbone to atrophy due to lack of stimulation, resulting in the recession of the gum structures that support the dentures.

It is likely that your appliance will begin losing its fit after several years. Continuing to wear ill-fitting dentures can lead to inflammation of the gums, bad breath, dental damage, and oral infections.

How Can I Help My Lower Denture Fit More Securely?

If your lower denture is not fitting as well as it used to, you may be able to find a suitable oral adhesive at your local grocery store or pharmacy. These products are designed to hold prosthetic devices like dentures more securely in place in the mouth, and they come in powder, cream, or tearable strip varieties. You may have to try several denture adhesive brands before you find the one that works best for you, but your dentist may be able to recommend a product.

How Can My Dentist Help My Lower Denture Fit More Securely?

Dentures are designed to be incredibly comfortable and durable, but they are not invincible and will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. In some cases, a denture may only need a minor adjustment to fit properly, but your dentist may need to send your appliance to a dental lab for a reline in some cases. However, it will eventually be necessary to replace your appliance completely.

If you are frustrated with traditional dentures, you may wish to consider upgrading to implant dentures. These devices are securely anchored to the jawbone, which helps preserve a comfortable fit while restoring maximum chewing power.

Don’t let poorly fitting dentures cause oral health problems like gum irritation and enamel damage. If you are having trouble getting your appliance to stay in place, contacting your dentist can help you find the most effective way to keep your bite complete and comfortable.

About the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie earned her dental degree at the Creighton School of Dentistry and has trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Arizona Dental Association. Her office in Gilbert offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. If your dentures aren’t fitting well, contact her office on the web or dial (623) 283-2088.