What's The Fix For Lower Denture Problems?

Wearing dentures shouldn't be uncomfortable or inconvenient for you. You should be able to put your dentures in early in the morning and go the entire day without any issues. Unfortunately, lower dentures can make wearing dentures less than comfortable. Why is the lower denture problematic while the top denture is not?

Problems While Chewing

Since the lower denture only has the ridge to support it, it is more difficult to keep in place. The upper denture not only has the ridge to keep it in place, but also the suction of the roof of your mouth. This lack of support is what causes the problems when you chew.

Problems with Age

The lower denture that once fit perfectly and didn't move around when you chewed may no longer fit as it once did. This is because the ridge in your mouth shrinks and the cheek muscles become weak with age. Those cheek muscles play a big part in how well the lower denture stays in place.

Bone Density Issues

As lower dentures are worn, the bone under the ridge can actually begin to wear down or loose density because of the lack of support. When this happens, the denture needs to be remade to fit the size of the ridge as it is now.

Resolving the Issues

There are a few different things that your dentist can do to help your lower denture fit better, including:

Denture paste – Denture paste can be used to hold the denture in place more securely. This will work for a while, but eventually, further action will need to be taken to avoid damaging the ridge and wearing down the bones in your mouth.

Denture liner – Your dentist puts material on the underside of your denture and puts it back into place. That material takes the shape of the ridge and begins to harden in just a few minutes. That liner permanently alters the fit of the denture.

Implant Supports – With implant supports, a small post is surgically implanted into the lower jaw. Your dentist will then make you a new lower denture or alter the lower denture that you already have to include clasps that connect to the implant post. This is the best long-term fix for lower denture wearers because having the extreme support eliminates the problems with chewing, bone density loss and cheek muscle weakness.

If you are experiencing any issues with your lower denture, talk with your dentist to find a solution that will work for you. Without a fix, you face long-term damage to the ridge that could eventually make wearing a lower denture impossible for you.