Why Won’t Your Lower Denture Stay Secure?

When you first get dentures, you may think the lower kind is the most secure. After all, can’t it rely on gravity to stay in place? However, the truth is that a loose lower denture is pretty common. These prosthetics that replace bottom teeth often shift around in your mouth. Still, your local Edison dentist knows a few fixes for this problem. To learn them yourself, read this summary of causes and solutions for loose lower dentures.

Causes of a Shifting Lower Denture

While not all of them do, many lower dentures suffer from looseness. In particular, they can get unsteady and shift around at the worst times. The reasons for this issue include:

A Flat Ridge or Bone

Your jaw must have the proper bone height and width to secure a lower denture. The appliance will be even more steady if your lower ridge has a U-shape.

That said, these features aren’t likely if you’ve been without teeth for long. In the latter case, your lower jawbone has likely eroded and become flat. This erosion would make an associated denture unstable, as it wouldn’t have enough bone tissue for support.

Poor Denture Border Length

Typically, lower dentures are well-made and ensure stability and functionality. Their design is such that they only need (at most) a bit of adhesive for extra security.

However, not all lower dentures are crafted well. Some have sides – also known as borders – that are too long or short. When that happens, the appliance doesn’t have the width to create a good seal. From there, a denture can easily start to slip or move around.

Ways to Secure a Lower Denture

Thankfully, there are several good ways to secure a lower denture. In fact, the best ones are the following:

• Practice Often – If you practice enough, you can train your face and tongue to steady lower dentures. Keep in mind, though, that this regimen involves changing your eating and speaking habits.
• Try Adhesives or a Reline – While not always ideal, proper adhesives can secure a bottom denture. Just remember only to use three small dots’ worth. Also, an adhesive can’t help a poorly-shaped or ill-fitting denture.
• Get Implant Dentures – Sometimes, dental implants are needed to secure lower dentures. Since these posts fuse with your jaw, they’ll ensure the connected teeth don’t move.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t let loose lower dentures ruin your smile. Use the tips above instead so all your teeth and gums can thrive!

About the Practice

Signature Smiles is based in Edison, NJ. Led by Dr. Hiren H. Shah, our practice tries to give each patient the personalized dentistry they deserve. To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services tailored to your unique smile. We also offer custom orthodontic appliances like metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us at our website or by phone at (908)-834-8448.