Common Problems with Dentures and Their Solutions

Whether you get partial dentures to replace a few missing teeth in the front, or full dentures to replace all of your teeth, not every prosthetic is perfect. Your smile may be smoother and your bite forces better balanced, but dentures can be tricky. Listen carefully to your dentists, as they can prep you for problems that may arise.

The most common issue with dentures is the fit, which you and the doctor should try to get right the first time. If you are getting immediate dentures—so called because they are placed right after substantial tooth loss—there may not be time to guarantee a perfect fit. The ADA recommends conventional dentures when possible, as these involve careful measurements of the mouth before placement.

A bad fit can make certain foods harder to chew, or cause whistling and clicking sounds when eating and talking, which can be embarrassing.  In older patients, even if the original fit was right, sizing trouble often occurs due to bone loss or shrinkage. At the first sign of this, you should contact your dentist for resizing or replacement.

Dentures get dirty fast. You should clean them as often as you would your original teeth, except with an ultrasonic cleaner instead of toothpaste. Unkempt dentures will cause odors and irritation in the mouth. You can minimize this risk by not sleeping with your dentures, and soaking them overnight in a solution.