Dentures are meant to restore comfort, function, and confidence, but when they don’t fit properly, they can cause more harm than good. Ill-fitting dentures not only make eating and speaking difficult but can also create lasting oral health concerns. If you’ve noticed discomfort or slipping dentures, it’s important to have them evaluated by your dentist before the problems worsen.
1. Mouth Sores and Irritation
One of the first signs of poorly fitting dentures is irritation of the soft tissues in your mouth. When dentures rub against your gums, cheeks, or tongue, painful sores may form. These ulcers make daily activities like chewing and talking uncomfortable, and without treatment, they can become infected.
2. Difficulty Chewing and Digestive Issues
Dentures should help restore your ability to enjoy meals, but if they don’t fit securely, chewing becomes difficult. This often leads people to avoid certain foods, which can limit nutrition. Incomplete chewing may also result in digestive problems, as larger food particles are harder for your stomach to break down.
3. Bone Loss in the Jaw
A stable fit helps maintain the health of your jawbone. When dentures move around, they fail to provide the consistent stimulation your bone needs, accelerating the natural bone loss that occurs after tooth loss. Over time, this bone deterioration not only worsens the fit of your dentures but can also change the overall shape of your face.
4. Speech Difficulties
Dentures that slip or shift can make it hard to speak clearly. You may find yourself mumbling, slurring words, or worrying that your dentures will move out of place mid-conversation. These speech issues can affect self-confidence and cause unnecessary stress during social interactions.
5. Increased Risk of Infection
When dentures don’t fit snugly, food particles and bacteria can get trapped beneath them. This buildup creates an environment where infections, such as stomatitis or fungal growth, are more likely to occur. Properly fitted dentures combined with good oral hygiene significantly reduce this risk.
Wearing dentures should never cause pain or embarrassment. If you suspect your dentures aren’t fitting correctly, visiting your dentist is the best way to prevent complications and restore your comfort.
About the Practice
Dr. Wael M. Kassem of iSmile Dental Arts specializes in custom denture solutions tailored to every patient’s unique needs. Taking a compassionate approach to high-quality, advanced care, Dr. Kassem and our skilled team provide custom denture solutions that ensure a comfortable fit and long-term oral health.
Call us at (856) 818-9998 or request an appointment online.