Question: Why has my denture become loose and what can be done?
Explanation: Dentures loosen mainly because the underlying bone resorbs after teeth are lost, a process that continues lifelong. The denture, made to fit a ridge that no longer exists, rocks and drops. Other causes include weight loss, changes in saliva, and wear of the denture teeth altering the bite. A loose denture causes ulceration, difficulty eating, and embarrassment when speaking. Solutions include relining, remaking, or, most predictably, stabilising with dental implants. Denture adhesives are a temporary crutch, not a treatment for poor fit.
Related Questions:
Are denture adhesives a reasonable long-term solution?
No. They mask a fit problem while the underlying bone continues to resorb, and the denture continues to traumatise the ridge. They also make it harder for the dentist to assess the true fit. Occasional use for confidence is fine. Daily reliance signals that the denture needs attention.
What is a denture reline?
A procedure adding new acrylic to the fitting surface so it matches the current shape of the ridge. It can be done chairside with a soft or hard material, or in the laboratory for a more durable result. Relining is far cheaper than remaking and often restores fit for several years.
Do implants really help with loose lower dentures?
Substantially. Two implants in the lower jaw supporting a denture with press-stud attachments transform stability, particularly for the lower denture, which has the least natural retention. It is one of the highest satisfaction procedures in dentistry for edentulous patients.
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