Denture wearers sometimes complain that their dentures do not feel stable in their mouths. They say that the dentures slip and slide and threaten to fall out altogether. When dentures lack stability, they can sap self-confidence and create serious embarrassment. But what exactly causes dentures to slip and slide? Your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, explains below.
The Source of Slipping Dentures
Dentures tend to slip when they do not fit properly into the mouth. An improper fit can be the result of poorly fitted dentures or of a gradual wear on the ridges of the jaws that causes the dentures to fit less securely over time until they begin to wobble. The trouble is that dentures rely on suction to remain in place, and when the fit is not exact, the suction begins to fail, allowing the dentures to slide. When they do slide, they can cause irritation and can even affect speech, resulting in slurring and mumbling. These speech problems occur because the facial muscles tend to tense up when the dentures are not secure in an effort to keep them stable. Unfortunately, this muscular effort inhibits speech.
Solutions to Slipping Dentures
Patients struggling with slipping dentures have a couple of options. One option is to have their dentures adjusted to improve the fit and the suction of the dentures. With the dentures fitting properly into the mouth once again, they will be more secure, reducing slips. A second, more permanent solution is to have the dentures supported by dental implants. The implants are surgically inserted into the jaw, where they fuse with the jawbone and act as anchors for the dentures. The added stability prevents slipping and lends dentures a more natural feel.
Schedule a Visit with Your Brighton Dentist
Do your dentures feel unsteady? Do they slip on occasion and cause you embarrassment? Contact Brighton Family Dental Group today at (617) 562-5210 to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani. We proudly serve patients from Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Brighton, and the 02135 area.
