den•ture /déncher/ n.
A complete set of
removable artificial
teeth for both jaws.

Are Your Existing Dentures Causing You Problems?

Common Problems for Denture Wearers

  • Poor Fit
    Loose or improper fitting dentures can cause excessive friction between the soft tissues and the dentures, resulting in sore spots that may become infected.
  • Poor Chewing Ability
    A denture that doesn't fit or teeth that don't function effectively can make it difficult to chew food properly. As a result, many nutritious and harder-to-chew foods may be eliminated from the diet. In these cases, digestion and overall good health are affected.
  • Unnatural Aesthetics
    "Chicklet" teeth that are all the same color can be a tell-tale sign that a person is wearing a denture. The same is true with overly dark teeth. Other signs are flat teeth, "picket fence" teeth, too much gum, too much teeth or not enough teeth showing.
  • Premature Aging
    Inferior denture teeth can wear excessively. This "shortening" of the teeth leads to a shortening of the face. That will increase the wrinkles around your mouth, cheeks and chin. The end result? You look older.

    Over time, the ridge tissue will shrink, no longer supporting the denture like it should. An unstable denture can make the ridges shrink even more and at a faster rate.

Joint and Jaw Disorders

Excessive denture tooth wear and "shortening" of the ridges may cause improper support and function which can upset the jaw mechanism. This can, in extreme cases, lead to a temporo mandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.  TMJ can be characterized by pain in the jaw, neck, head, and/or shoulders.


Bad Oral Hygiene

Food particles can get stuck in old or dirty dentures. This breeds bacteria, which can weaken the denture and lead to bad breath.

Due to the porous nature of the acrylic or porcelain from which dentures are made and the natural changes occurring in the mouth, even the best made denture should be replaced every 3 years.


Emotional and Psychological Distress

Improper fit or unnatural-looking dentures can make it difficult and embarrassing to speak, eat and socialize.


Did you know that your dentures need to be replaced at least every 3 years? 

This should be no surprise! Would you expect clothes, that you wore all day, everyday, to last 20 years? Even if they do, there would definitely be considerable wear and tear. Certainly, they would not fit in the same way they once did. You should expect no less from your dentures!

  • The gums and ridges of your mouth change over time while dentures do not.
  • A denture cannot do its job properly for more than 3 years.
  • Wearing the same dentures for more than 3 years can cause changes in your mouth that are often irreversible. For instance, a bad fitting denture can cause the ridges to shrink faster. Therefore, the denture becomes loose. In that case, it then becomes that more difficult to fit future dentures.

Did you know that partial denture wearers may have an increased risk for heart disease?

  • The American Heart Association says that bacteria may affect the heart and contribute to heart disease. People with periodontal disease, a bacterial infection, may be more at risk for heart disease.
  • Partial denture wearers should have their teeth cleaned regularly, as bacteria and calculus accumulate wherever a denture contacts a tooth.
  • Partial dentures should be removed at night to prevent the build up of bacteria and calculus. This is similar to the calculus that can clog your arteries and lead to heart attack.
  • Medications prescribed for heart disease can increase the incidence of bleeding gums. This can increase the likelihood of gum infection that can be prevented by a dentist. These drugs may alter or decrease your taste perception.
  • Overgrowth or enlargement, of gum tissue may occur when taking certain medications for high blood pressure or chest pain. This gum inflamation may cause your dentures to fit improperly.
  • Many of the agents used to treat high blood pressure are also frequently associated with decreased salivation and dry mouth.
  • Dry mouth leaves the mouth without enough saliva to wash away food and neutralize plaque, leaving you far more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
  • Dry mouth can also weaken the retention of dentures.
  • Heart disease medications can cause edema or fluid retention that will cause a swelling of the body's tissues. Denture fit can fluctuate noticeably because this swelling will affect your gum tissue.
  • It is critical for your general health that your denture doctor be informed of all medications you are taking prior to your treatment.
  • All denture wearers should be especially attentive to their diets.  Research consistently shows the link between unhealthy eating habits and an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
  • Regular checkups can help to ensure that you will be able to eat a wide variety of wholesome, heart-smart foods.
  • We ask all our patients to complete a detailed medical history chart. It is important to advise us of any medical conditions and/or medications, including heart disease. In doing so, you will help to ensure that you will receive the best and most complete denture care.

Did you know that diabetic patients require more dental care to avoid further health problems?

Diabetics’ high glucose levels create a feast for oral bacteria. Therefore thorough periodontal care and patient education in proper hygiene is crucial. Click here to learn more.


Did you know that denture wearers should be screened annually for Oral Cancer?

Ill fitting dentures can increase the possibility of oral cancer and you should see a dentist at least once a year for screening? Click here to learn more.

Ask your dental doctor about the Vizi Lite and Oral Cdx. They help detect any changes in the tissue. This is to detect oral cancer before symptoms occur. Early treatment is critical. Unlike biopsies this is done with just a mouth rinse and a special light. It is totally painless and takes just a few minutes!


Did you know...

  • loose dentures can cause sore spots that may become infected? This is because of excessive, uneven or unbalanced contact between your soft tissues and your dentures.
  • denture teeth are just as susceptible to the destructive effects of plaque as natural teeth? Once plaque hardens into calculus, it can present an irresistible invitation to bacterial problems, gum disease and irritations, and a range of digestive problems. Daily denture care and yearly professional check ups will help to maintain your oral health and appearance.

New Denture Bases

Over time, your ridges will naturally shrink as the bone recedes and supporting tissues change. This change will be more rapid with some patients than with others and is affected by the condition of your health and the protective care of your ridges. When this resorption progresses to the point where your dentures are too loose, or your facial appearance starts to change for the worse, it's time to have your dentures rebased, relined, or remade.


Annual Examination

At least once a year, your should make an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination of your entire mouth. Such an examination provides your dentist with an opportunity to correct any problems that may have appeared due to natural and progressive changes in your oral structures that can cause shifting of the dentures, undue pressure on supporting ridges, or damage to oral structures and bony projections. 

This step is crucial to maintaining correct alignment of your dentures as well as good oral health and healthy ridges. At that time, we also recommend an annual oral cancer screening. In addition, regular professional cleaning and polishing will help to prevent disagreeable tastes and odors from forming on your dentures.

Denturewearers.com is your one-stop source for all your denture and dental related needs.