Don’t Ignore Denture Discomfort—Here’s What to Do If Your Dentures No Longer Fit Comfortably
It can be unsettling when dentures that once fit like a glove suddenly start to feel loose or cause sore spots. For many patients in Keller, TX, this change can impact eating, speaking, and overall confidence. At Pickett Family Dental, we understand how frustrating this can be—and we’re here to help you get back to a secure, natural-feeling smile.
Dentures are designed to restore function and aesthetics, but over time, your gums and jawbone can change. Whether it’s a shift in fit or a sharp edge you didn’t notice before, discomfort is a sign that it’s time to see your dentist. Knowing what to do when your dentures don’t fit comfortably anymore is the first step toward getting relief and protecting your oral health.
Signs Your Dentures May Need to Be Adjusted or Replaced
There are several indicators that your dentures may no longer be fitting properly, and it’s important not to ignore them. Even small changes can lead to long-term oral health problems if not addressed.
Common warning signs include:
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Sore spots or irritation along your gums
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Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
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A feeling that your dentures are loose or slipping
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Clicking noises while talking or eating
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Persistent bad breath, which may indicate trapped food or bacteria
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Changes in your facial shape or jaw discomfort
These symptoms often signal that your dentures are no longer making consistent contact with your gum tissue or bone, which can lead to painful pressure points or difficulty keeping them in place.
Why Dentures Stop Fitting Over Time
Dentures don’t change—but your mouth does. One of the most common reasons for poor-fitting dentures is the natural bone resorption that occurs when teeth are missing. Without tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone, the bone beneath the gums gradually shrinks. This affects the shape of your mouth and changes the way your dentures sit.
Weight loss, certain medications, and changes in overall health can also affect gum and bone tissue. Even well-made dentures eventually require updates due to these changes. Typically, most dentures need to be relined, rebased, or replaced every 5 to 7 years depending on wear, oral health, and changes in your mouth.
What Your Dentist Can Do to Improve Denture Fit
If you notice that your dentures don’t fit like they used to, don’t try to fix them yourself. Schedule an appointment at Pickett Family Dental so we can determine the best course of action.
Denture Adjustment: Minor discomfort or sore spots can often be resolved with a quick adjustment. This involves trimming small sections of the acrylic base for a smoother, more comfortable fit.
Denture Reline: If your denture has become loose, a reline might be the best solution. This procedure reshapes the underside of the denture so it matches your current gum and bone contours more accurately.
Denture Rebase: When the base of your denture is worn but the teeth are still in good condition, we may recommend rebasing. This involves creating a new acrylic base while keeping the same teeth.
Replacement Dentures: In cases of extreme wear or significant bone loss, it may be time to replace the dentures altogether. Our team will take new impressions and create a completely updated set that better reflects the current shape of your mouth.
Caring for Your Dentures to Maintain Fit and Comfort
Good daily habits play a big role in how well your dentures continue to fit over time. Always clean your dentures thoroughly each day using a soft denture brush and soaking them in a non-abrasive cleaner. Be sure to clean your gums and tongue as well to prevent buildup and irritation.
Remove your dentures at night to allow your gums to rest and breathe. This reduces the risk of fungal infections and gives your tissues time to recover from daily pressure.
If your dentures feel different, don’t wait for things to get worse. Ill-fitting dentures can cause mouth sores, infection, and difficulty eating. Dr. Tyson Pickett, DDS FAGD and our caring team at Pickett Family Dental will walk you through your options and make sure your dentures are as comfortable and functional as possible.
When you need a gentle, expert team to help restore your comfort and confidence with dentures, call Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX at (817) 431-5514 to schedule an appointment today.
