For years, you never gave your lower denture a second thought. Right after you got it, eating, speaking, and smiling felt so easy again. But now, you find yourself constantly having to adjust it because it moves around, and you’re afraid it will just fall out one day in front of people. Is it something you’re doing, or is it time to go see a dentist? The truth is that this happens to all denture wearers eventually, and bringing stability back to your smile is thankfully straightforward.
Why Your Lower Denture Keeps Slipping
Generally, if your lower denture is giving you trouble, it’s because of three probable causes:
- Your gums and jawbone have changed over the years, altering how the prosthetic fits. This naturally happens after tooth loss and is often why a denture that feels great at first starts to become less reliable.
- The denture itself is worn down. Your teeth accumulate a lot of wear and tear, and even the best-made prosthetic can become old and start to feel loose.
- Your denture is damaged. This can occur due to biting into a hard piece of food awkwardly, or many people accidentally drop their dentures while cleaning them (often on a hard countertop or floor in the bathroom).
Your One-Stop Solution
Whatever might be troubling you, there is only one thing you need to do: visit a dentist.
An exam from a professional is the quickest and most reliable way to figure out what is going on, and they can recommend whether you should have your denture repaired, replaced, or upgraded using dental implants. This is much less stressful than just trying to work around an inadequate denture or attempting to repair it yourself, which you should never do!
Fortunately, this is a situation that dentists see all the time, so they are usually able to pinpoint the problem and then offer a solution suited to your situation. They’ll give you peace of mind, and before you know it, you can get back to forgetting you’re even wearing a denture!
About the Author
Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons are restorative and implant dentists who graduated from the prestigious University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Dr. Jackson completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency there, and Dr. Parsons is constantly training to use the latest technology to deliver the most comfortable and effective treatment possible. If your current denture is causing more problems than it solves these days, they are more than happy to help just like they have with countless other patients. To schedule an appointment at El Reno Family Dentistry, click here.