Your dentures can’t help you if they don’t fit right. After all, if they’re not secure and comfortable, they won’t be able to assist you with chewing your food, improving your speech, or restoring your smile. If you’re struggling to get a good connection with your lower prosthetic, here are a few reasons this may be happening, and what you can do to correct it.
Causes of an Improper Fit
Lower dentures have a harder time getting a good fit than uppers do because they don’t benefit from the 360 degrees hold at the borders that the top prosthetics have. Bottom dentures have a taller order because they need space for both your tongue and the up and down movement of the floor of your mouth, and they also need to be resistant to dislodging by your cheek side gums.
Here are a few other reasons your lower denture may not fit properly:
- Poor seal from inadequate border length
- Resorption of the jawbone
- Warped base
- A decreased amount or quality of saliva
- Inability to use them properly
Correcting Fit Problems
To diagnose which issues could be causing a poor fit, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation. There are several ways they can improve the fit, including:
- A hard reline
- Remaking the denture
- Replacement with a completely different type of restoration like dental implants
At your evaluation, your dentist can take a closer look at your denture and your jaw. Once the reason for the poor hold is determined, your dentist will recommend treatment and explain your options.
Remember, your dentures need a secure fit on both arches to work properly. If you cannot obtain a good hold on either jaw, don’t struggle with pain, sores, or by simply not wearing them. Your dentist can assist you with determining the cause of the poor fit and help make the necessary adjustments to get you smiling and enjoying your prosthetics with confidence again!
About Dr. Latner
Dr. Les Latner knows that even restored smiles can make a world of difference in your oral and overall health. That’s why he’s proud to provide dentures and other means of tooth replacement. If you’re struggling to get a good fit with your dentures, or if you’re ready to upgrade to a more permanent prosthetic, please contact Westside Dental Associates for a consultation appointment by visiting our website or calling us today at 310-477-1081.