How To Fix Loose Dentures at Home
Loose dentures can be a major inconvenience, making it difficult to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. If your dentures are slipping or sliding around, there are a few things you can do at home to try to fix the problem. Whether you’ve been wearing dentures for years or are just getting started, we’re here to help you keep them snug and secure at home. In this informative blog, we’ll share practical tips and tricks to help you smile confidently and worry-free.
What Are Loose Dentures?
Loose dentures are removable dental prosthetics that have lost their snug fit over time, causing discomfort and instability for the wearer. This common issue can arise due to changes in the jawbone structure, wear and tear, or fluctuations in weight. At Kensington Dental Care, we’re here to address the concerns surrounding loose dentures and guide you toward practical solutions for a comfortable and confident smile.
Why Do Dentures Become Loose Over Time?
Dentures, a common solution for many people with missing natural teeth, may become loose over time due to changes in the jawbone structure—a natural occurrence with aging, weight loss or tooth loss.
The constant pressure and movement during chewing can accelerate wear and tear on denture materials, resulting in ill-fitting dentures and a less secure fit.
To address these concerns, regular check-ups and adjustments at Kensington Dental Care become pivotal, ensuring not only the comfort of denture wearers but also offering insights into alternative solutions like dental implants to fix loose dentures and enhance overall oral health.
What Problems Can Arise When Dentures Are Loose?
Many denture wearers may feel difficulties in chewing and speaking, leading to potential embarrassment or discomfort in social situations. Ill-fitting dentures can also contribute to irritation and sores on the gums, impacting your overall oral health.
Additionally, prolonged use of loose dentures may result in changes to the jawbone structure, emphasising the importance of timely adjustments or exploring alternative solutions such as dental implants for a more secure and stable dental restoration.
What Denture Wearers Can Do At Home if They Have Loose Dentures
While a professional evaluation from your dentist, such as those at Kensington Dental Care, is essential for addressing loose dentures, there are some things you can try at home to improve their fit temporarily:
Denture Adhesive
Consider utilising dental adhesive or denture adhesives to enhance the grip of your dentures. These specialised creams are designed to provide a short-term solution for improved stability, ensuring that your dentures fit properly and comfortably in your mouth. Experimenting with dental adhesive can be a simple yet effective way to enhance the overall performance of your dentures, offering you confidence in their snug fit.
Over-the-Counter Denture Reline
Some over-the-counter denture relining kits are available for those with loose dentures, allowing you to apply a new layer of material to the denture for a better fit. However, these are temporary fixes, and professional adjustments are still recommended.
The Different Types of Denture Reline
There are primarily two types of denture relines: hard relines and soft relines. Each serves a specific purpose in improving the fit and comfort of dentures:
Hard Relining: During a hard denture relining, the dentist skillfully removes a thin layer of the existing denture material, ensuring that your dentures fit properly and comfortably in your mouth. This precise process involves replacing the removed material with new, hard acrylic, resulting in a snug fit that better conforms to changes in the shape of the oral tissues.
Soft Relining: This type of denture relining is particularly recommended for individuals with highly sensitive or tender gums. The soft material used provides additional cushioning and comfort, making your dentures feel more at ease in your mouth. Keep in mind that soft relining may require more frequent adjustments compared to hard relining, ensuring your dentures stay comfortably in place, and addressing any issues with loose dentures promptly.
Eat Softer Foods
Opt for eating softer foods and cut them into smaller pieces to reduce the strain on your dentures. Avoid extremely sticky or hard foods that could exacerbate the issue.
Get Expert Advice Today
Our dedicated team of dentists understands the challenges that loose dentures pose for denture wearers. We are committed to ensuring that your dentures fit correctly, providing comfort and confidence to our patients. Loose dentures can be uncomfortable, so when you feel like it’s getting in the way of your dental health, reach out to Kensington Dental Care today for expert care and personalised solutions.
