Bottom dentures are notoriously loose and have to be held in place by a narrow ridge of bone. The tongue also contributes to the problem by moving up, down, and all around, which can dislodge the denture. Given all the problems associated with bottom dentures, how does anyone manage to wear them? In this blog post, we will cover the causes of a loose bottom denture and how to keep bottom dentures in place.
Reasons Bottom Dentures Don’t Stay Put and How to Fix Them
1 – Denture Teeth are Not Properly Aligned
One of the most common reasons why a bottom denture slips is because the denture teeth are not properly aligned. This could occur during the denture preparation process if the orthodontist or dentist did not properly place the denture teeth into their proper position. The misalignment of denture teeth can also occur if the patient knocks their denture out of place.
How to Fix: This is a simple problem to fix. The teeth of the bottom denture will need to be repositioned in order to take away the slippage. Generally, this means that the denture teeth will need to be adjusted by the dentist or orthodontist.
2 – Flat or Negative Ridge
Another common reason why a bottom denture slips out of place is because of the presence of a narrow ridge of bone located on the tongue side of the jaw. This bone ridge is made up of a single piece of bone that runs from the chin along the lower jaw until it hits the joint where the jaw meets the skull. This type of flat ridge is somewhat rare because most people have two pieces of bone that run side by side.
How to Fix: If the patient has a flat or negative ridge, the orthodontist or dentist may need to trim down the ridge to allow the denture to sit more securely.
3 – Improper Denture Fit
A bottom denture needs to have the proper fit in order for it to stay in place. Ideally, the patient should have an application of denture adhesive along the bottom surface of the denture. The denture glue should be applied in a way that ensures that the denture fits snugly along the inner curvature of the lower jaw. The use of denture adhesive is a critical step in ensuring that a bottom denture stays in place. Without it, the denture will not fit securely in place.
How to Fix: The use of denture adhesive is designed to facilitate a tight-fitting denture. If a bottom denture is loose, the patient should check to see if they have applied enough denture adhesive. If not, they will need to apply an additional coat of denture adhesive.
Conclusion
Bottom dentures can be a great solution for missing teeth. However, patients must be aware of how to choose a bottom denture and how to care for their dentures. This includes leaving the denture teeth in their proper alignment and following the proper technique for placing denture adhesive. These dental care tips can help patients avoid the problem of having a loose bottom denture.
If you are in need of denture repairs, come to Danvers Aesthetic Family Dentistry. Let us help bring light back into your smile today!