It’s hard enough to get dentures that fit properly, so it’s very frustrating if you get your dentures to fit, then find that they just don’t anymore. What can you do about this problem? Often, finding the best solution depends on knowing why the fit changes. We’ve compiled some of the reasons why your dentures might not fit anymore, including common and rare causes.

man holds up a set of false teeth while looking tight lipped

Bone Resorption (Common)

Bone resorption is most likely the reason why your dentures don’t fit anymore. It’s a normal, expected consequence of denture wear. When you don’t have teeth, the body removes the bone that used to support the teeth. Unfortunately, your dentures also depend on that bone, though poor fit can cause dentures to accelerate bone loss.

Most of the time, you can address this by getting regular denture refits, although implant dentures are a more permanent solution.

Denture Wear or Damage (Common)

On the other hand, the problem might not be your bones, but the dentures themselves. Over time, dentures can wear down/may-notice-denture-changes-happen’}}}}, especially those that are made completely from PMMA. Other times, dentures can be damaged by trauma, such as dropping them on the floor or being chewed by your dog.

If your dentures are worn down or damaged, the best solution is to replace them.

Denture Warping (Uncommon)

When dentures aren’t in your mouth, you should store them in liquid, such as a denture soak. If you don’t the dentures can dry out, and sometimes this will cause dentures to warp.

Once your dentures are warped, they probably won’t return to their original shape. In that case, it’s usually true that you need to replace warped dentures.

Flabby Ridge (Uncommon)

Flabby ridge is a side effect of bone resorption. In this situation, your body isn’t just removing bone, it’s creating soft tissue in the place of bone.

With flabby ridge, you might choose surgery to remove the excess flabby tissue and/or encourage bone growth with a bone graft. Sometimes, a sclerosing solution is used to encourage the development of scar tissue, which is a little firmer and can help support the denture. Implant dentures can also help maintain good denture fit.

Gum Overgrowth (Uncommon)

Other times, your gums might be growing more than usual in certain places/causing-weird-growths-gums/’}}}}. This is very similar to flabby ridge, but it can often be traced back to certain medications.

Changing medications, removing excess gum tissue, and switching to implant dentures can all help control gum overgrowth.

Oral Cancer (Rare)

Sometimes, the growth in your mouth is not normal gum tissue. Instead, it might be cancerous. Oral cancers are more likely to be painful and tender. They are also often very different in appearance, looking like red or white lesions that just don’t heal.

If you have oral cancer, early detection and treatment improve the odds of successful treatment. Although this is rare, it’s good justification for seeing your dentist regularly.

A Denture Fit Expert

Of course, getting the best initial fit can help your dentures fit longer. Many dentists use an process to fit your dentures. But the FOY ® Dentures process is designed to use some of the latest developments in dentistry to improve the fit of your dentures. Dr. Adam Hahn is highly trained and experienced in the use of this method.

To learn more about the benefits of optimal denture fit in Columbia, SC, please call (803) 781-9090 today for an appointment with denture dentist Dr. Adam Hahn at Smile Columbia Dentistry.