Don’t Put Up With Your Uncomfortable Dentures!

When was your last denture reline?

If you’ve had your dentures for a while, don’t be fooled into thinking that dentures don’t need to be adjusted. All dentures, either partial or full, need to be relined at some stage.

Although we may not realise it, our bones and gums change shape over time – as our bone tissue decreases. This is especially the case when we don’t have our natural tooth roots stimulating the bone anymore, which keeps the bones strong. Due to our bone tissue slowly resorbing (and gums changing shape), our once perfectly fitting dentures start to feel a little alien in our mouth as they no longer fit as well. Relining the denture involves adapting the fitting surface of the base of the denture so that it fits the current state of your gums and jaw.

Miscellaneous reasons for denture pain

Incorrect bite

When your dental prosthetist first takes a bite registration while making your dentures, he needs to make sure you have the most comfortable and correct bite position. If the denture is not in the right position, there could be unpleasant loading in parts of your gums which could give you ulcers. If you feel that this may have happened to you, talk to your dental prosthetist so that he can make the appropriate adjustments.

Pressure points

If your bone and gums have changed shape since we made your dentures, this discrepancy in fit will result in the denture pressing on certain points more than other points. Alternatively, when making the impression for your denture, if there is a problem with the impression material and the denture ends up being shaped slightly differently to your gums, there could be pain when you bite or chew while wearing your dentures. This discomfort can be anything from mild irritation to horrible pain. Usually, your dental prosthetist can easily remedy this problem.

Compressed nerve

For elderly people who have been wearing dentures for decades and have worn their lower jaw right down, the “mental nerve” may become exposed. When the denture pushes on this nerve, it can be excruciatingly painful. To remedy this painful problem, your dental prosthetist will have to use a soft acrylic to cushion the area.

Getting used to new dentures

If you’ve never worn dentures before, they may take a bit of getting used to. Here are a few things you can expect to experience.

Irritated or uncomfortable gums

Your gums are having to deal with your new denture and consequently, may feel sensitive. After a couple of weeks, though, they will become accustomed to the denture and irritation should subside. However, if you start to develop ulcerations or sore spots, please give the clinic a call and book in to see your dental prosthetist as it’s likely that we need to make small adjustments to improve the fit.

Pain due to poor hygiene

Adapting to anything takes time, and for some, learning to take care of their new dentures is a bit of an issue. Unfortunately though, if you don’t stick to your dental prosthetist’s instructions, you can develop a nasty problem such as irritation in your mouth, cheeks or gums. Sometimes, when there is a poor fit, fungal infections can develop.

Increased salivation

Increased salivation is a normal reaction produced by your body as it is dealing with a foreign object. Luckily, your body will soon get used to the denture and stop producing so much saliva.

Feeling that your denture will slip

At first, your new denture will feel foreign – not a part of your mouth – and consequently, it could feel like it will slip out of any moment. Once again, this sensation will pass once the muscles in your mouth, tongue and cheeks become more finely coordinated to hold the denture in place.

Dislodging your new denture

Sometimes, when a patient has their first denture, it is easily dislodged when they cough, laugh or sneeze. Although this is a normal part of wearing dentures, these issues become less of a problem over time as you learn to instinctively put your hand over your mouth or close your mouth. Sometimes, your dental prosthetist may suggest you try denture glue to help adhere the denture to your gums, making it less likely to move unexpectedly.