When Your Dentures Don't Fit: What to Do

A dentist offering denture services will custom-make these dental prostheses for you based on your dental mold. Ideally, this will ensure that your dentures fit well. However, that may not be the case.

New dentures may feel like they don't fit well, at least not until you get used to them. Over time, they may not fit as well for various reasons. Whatever the case, it is crucial to take care of ill-fitting dentures as soon as possible to avoid discomfort and soreness. You are also at a greater risk of swelling up and developing an infection if the dentures are ill-fitting.

Here are some thoughts on how to handle ill-fitting dentures.

Give Them Time

With dentures, it may take some time before you achieve that perfect and comfortable fit. You may find your tongue and cheeks pushing the dentures out of place before you fully adjust. As you give yourself some time to get used to wearing dentures, you can speed the process along in several ways. 

Mouth exercises such as sticking and moving around your tongue will help you get used to the dentures without relying on your tongue to support or hold them in place. Also, practice chewing with denture-friendly gum and soft foods to help push the dentures in place and help you to get used to wearing them.

Get Dental Adhesive

Another option worth considering if you have only just gotten your dentures and trying to get used to them is dental adhesive. Available as a paste or glue, the dental adhesive will help to hold your dentures in place. Before use, ensure the surface of your dentures is clean and dry. Apply the dental adhesive onto the denture surface before pressing the dentures onto your gum.

See Your Dentist

If you have had your dentures for a while, and they suddenly don't fit as well anymore, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible. A fracture or crack on your dentures can lead to misalignment and an ill fit. The dentist can examine your dentures and, based on the severity of the damage, offer suitable denture services, be it repair or replacement.

Similarly, a dental service such as Dental Care Associates can refit your dentures. Refitting is one of the denture services you may need a few years after you start wearing your dentures. Gradual bone loss is quite common among people with missing teeth, and this loss will cause a significant change in the shape of your jawbone. Refitting or relining your dentures will match their shape to your jawbone for a better fit.