Denture Problems

Many patients are advised, that ‘they’ are the problem and not their dentures. At Smile on the Square, we believe this to be true in a very small percentage of cases.

Often, simple adjustments can be made to dentures that drastically improve fit and function. Where this is not possible, a new set should resolve any issues you may have with your current dentures.

Common problems include:

Mal-occlusion: The dentures chewing teeth have to fit together correctly to form balanced occlusion which means that both sides of the dentures connect equally when closing the teeth together. If this doesn’t happen dentures feel to be loose as they cockle into position, and can cause severe pain and a feeling that there is no room to chew food.
Solution: OCCLUSAL ADJUSTMENTS (same day) – This procedure modifies the surfaces of your back teeth to improve how the teeth make contact, restoring chewing function and increasing vertical dimensions.

Loose fit: Dentures drop or move, due to age, a poor impression from the off set, or from shrinkage from a tooth extraction socket site which has been left unaltered. This causes embarrassment, pain and often speech problems.
Solution: RELINING (same day) – If fitting surfaces are kept up to date your dentures will last the maximum amount of time.

Occlusal adjustments and relining, will only be advised where the issues are minimal. If your denture is worn out – a remake will be the most suitable option.

Poor tooth positioning: Teeth set too far forward, may cause the denture to drop and/or push out the lips. Back teeth are set too wide, may cause cheek biting and/or denture breakages. Teeth set too closely to the tongue or palate, may cause tongue biting, overcrowding and/or speech problems.
Solution: TOOTH REPOSITIONING – Setting teeth correctly in the arch will eliminate these problems.

In severe cases, repositioning the teeth can be as time consuming as making a new set.

Under extension: The palate or flanges are too shallow which allows air to undermine denture fit. The denture may drop or excessively move. Under extension can weaken your denture.
Solution: REFIT DENTURE TO ADD DEPTH – Extending the flanges and/or palate to your vibration line (where the hard palate meets the soft palate), increases suction and strength.

Over extension: Causing the denture to make the gums sore and/or lift when eating. Difficulty swallowing, speech problems, and gagging sensation.
Solution: REDUCE DENTURE – Reducing peripheries (outer margins of the denture) and/or palate back to your vibration line.

Aesthetics: You may feel your mouth looks disproportionate. It could be that the teeth look too big or too long. The opposite could also be the case, you may feel your smile does not shine bright enough.
Solution: Teeth can be altered by reducing length but only in slight cases as this can cause the teeth to look less natural as it removes characterisation. We advise a NEW SET OF FALSE TEETH to achieve the best possible results.

If you identify with any of these problems, please contact us for a free consultation to see how we can help you.