If you are experiencing denture problems, you are not alone; millions of denture wearers around the country are overwhelmed. Owing to the lack of information about denture care, most haven’t the slightest idea where to turn. This page is the broadest of all because anything that can possibly go wrong with dentures is a problem. This is also probably the most significant page because it contains practical solutions for individuals who are experiencing difficulty. Some are aggravated with their inability to chew food, some are gagging, some are experiencing pain and others feel reluctant to socialize because of embarrassment. Proper denture care is a quality of life issue.
We can’t emphasize enough that the solution for most denture problems is a qualified, experienced denture care provider. Besides skill and experience, patience and genuine concern probably rate a close second place, and sometimes may even compensate where strong denture skills are slightly deficient. Hopefully, this page will help you to more thoroughly understand your specific areas of concern, ultimately assisting you in effective steps toward solving them.
- Q: If much of the bone in my mouth was lost through periodontal disease, will I ever be able to wear dentures successfully?
- A: Denturists routinely incorporate special denture techniques that will help denture wearers, who have had gum loss, to successfully and comfortably wear dentures.
- Q: What do you recommend for dentures that are causing my mouth to become sore?
- A: If your dentures are causing your mouth to become sore, you will need to seek a professional who is experienced in adjusting dentures as to give you relief. If you haven’t passed the six-month mark since your teeth were extracted, you may need periodic adjustments and maybe tissue conditioner treatments. Providing that your dentures have been made to satisfactory standards, you may just need a good adjustment, maybe you need a reline or you may possibly need to have your denture rebuilt. At any rate, a good denture provider would know how to adjust your dentures. If you are not satisfied try a denturist.
- Q: Why are some people’s dentures so loose? Can they be tightened?
- A: Dentures can be made to fit snug and comfortable again by having them relined. There are several kinds of relines. Denturists are familiar with the various kinds of relines. After an examination, your denturist will determine which kind of reline is best for you.
- Q: Why do some people have difficulty wearing lower dentures?
- A: Lower dentures are more difficult to wear because they do not have a pallet like upper dentures, in which suction helps to keep them in. Lower dentures in most cases do not have any suction at all. First of all, it is important that your lower denture teeth hit evenly with your upper denture teeth when your mouth is closed; if not, your denture will never seat evenly to your gums. It is equally important that your lower dentures fit comfortably and that they are properly extended in areas around the boarders of your gums, keeping them more stable while chewing. Likewise, it is critical that your teeth are positioned so as to avoid excessive tongue, cheek and lip resistance while eating (professionals call the least resistant area the neutral zone).
- Q: What is the best thing I can put on my lower denture to make it stay in? I have tried just about everything.
- A: The only quick fixes to make dentures stay in are gooey store shelf adhesives. Denture professionals do not recommend prolonged use of these materials. Lower dentures rarely have suction like most upper dentures and do not stay in nearly as well. Many denturists use special techniques that offer exceptional results in aiding to maintain lower denture retention and stability.
- Q: Why do I have a lot of trouble wearing dentures that were inserted at the time of extractions?
- A: Dentures that were inserted immediately after extractions may cause soreness and pain, and therefore, need to be adjusted frequently or maybe even need to be temporarily relined. After six months it is very important that such dentures are permanently rebuilt or at least relined.
- Q: What causes denture wearers to have speech difficulty; can anything be done to remedy the situation?
- A: Dentures can cause speech difficulty for several reasons. Initially, almost everyone has a degree of speech difficulty with new dentures. The denture wearer notices it more than the listeners. It is usually just a matter of the tongue needing time to become familiar with the boundaries of the new denture, and after two short weeks, should adjust. Still, it is possible that the denture wearer has difficulty because the dentures are too thick or too loose; there may be too much or too little vertical dimension between the upper and the lower dentures, the two front teeth could have possibly been placed in an unfavorable position or the upper denture may need an elevated landmark prominence added behind the upper front teeth. These are the most common reasons for speech difficulty with dentures.
- Q: What can I do about TMJ, ringing in my ears and head and neck pain?
- A: The place to start is to see a denture practitioner who is trained to treat Tempromandibular Joint Disorders (TMD). Sometimes dentists who have taken a couple weekend courses advertise that they evaluate and treat TMD, however, Doctors of Medical Denturitry (DDM) and some dentists, through extensive continuing education, are highly trained in this area. These practitioners are rare and have to be sought out.