Common Problems with Dentures

Denture Problems

Dentures are removable prosthesis and go in and out of your mouth

Leaving gaps in your mouth is never a good idea and can lead to serious medical and dental problems. Wearing dentures gives you something to chew on while at the same time protecting your jaws and facial muscles. However, since dentures are removable prosthesis, meaning that they go in and out of your mouth, they come with their fair share of problems. Here are some of the most common denture problems that you need to be mindful of if it’s your first time wearing dentures: 

Dentures can be Uncomfortable

Getting used to having a foreign object in your mouth takes some getting used to. This is especially true if it’s your first time wearing dentures. If your dentures are too long or unstable, they can cut into your gum tissue. This creates sore lesions which requires adjustment from your dentist to fix. 

Eating Becomes Compromised

Dentures cover lots of gum tissue which also happens to be the exact area filled with tons of taste buds. As a result, wearing dentures makes it harder to taste and enjoy your food. Plus, dentures only give you a fraction of your full chewing capability as compared to natural teeth. Many denture wearers find it difficult to eat harder food, such as steak and fruits, and have to resort to shredding or cutting their food into smaller pieces or even avoiding certain food items altogether. 

Dentures Break Easily

If your denture breaks in half, if can't be fixed.

A new set of dentures typically lasts about 3 to 5 years before requiring replacement. Denture teeth can break off, the frame might break or you may simply lose or accidentally throw your false teeth away. If you drop your denture, it will likely break in half, which essentially renders the teeth useless. Finally, children and pets love to get their hands on your dentures. If they get their hands on your false teeth, it is very unlikely that you will be able to wear them ever again!

Dentures Get Loose

Dentures are supported by your remaining teeth, if there are any remaining, as well as your gum tissue. Regardless of the type of denture that you are wearing, dentures always get looser over time. Lower dentures are particularly more likely to be loose, as there is not much tissue support in the lower jaw and also your tongue moves the false teeth around. The weaker your jawbone and the fewer remaining teeth, the more your dentures will flop around inside your mouth. 

Dentures Wear Out

Denture teeth are typically made from acrylic, which means that they wear out quickly with daily use. After a few years, most denture teeth become flat and lose their chewing capability. Consequently, dentures always seem to become less effective over time and require frequent replacement. 

Damage to Remaining Teeth & Jaws

Dentures place additional pressure onto your gums and teeth which harms them over time. Partial dentures primarily stress your remaining teeth and loosen them at an accelerated rate. Additionally, wearing partial dentures causes cavities on remaining teeth, especially the anchor ones. Full dentures apply pressure onto your jaw bone which causes accelerated jaw shrinkage. This accelerated jaw resorption is a main reason why long-term denture wearers tend to have a shrunken and sunken in facial appearance. 

Should I Consider Wearing Dentures?

Obviously dental implants, which are permanent teeth, are a much better option as compared to dentures. However, some people actually do really well with wearing their dentures. These denture wearing superstars never miss their original teeth and eat all kinds of food with their false teeth. You couldn’t even tell that they are false teeth had they not told you. Other denture wearers never quite get used to their false teeth and find them to be a daily nuisance. This latter group should consider investing in permanent teeth via dental implants if possible.

How you fair with your dentures is a personal experience and depends on multiple various factors. Typically, those who started wearing dentures earlier in their lives do better than adults and elderly who transition into dentures for the first time after decades of having had their own teeth. Talk to your dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for wearing dentures and which type of denture is best suited to your needs. If you live in southern California and would like to schedule a complimentary denture consultation, give us a call today.

Brush 'n Floss Yo Teeth!
Ali John Jazayeri, DDS