Today, you’re not mad at your top palette denture. No, that one seems to be doing just fine. It’s your bottom denture that’s giving you a headache! It just can’t seem to stay put, which is strange considering gravity should be working against it.
It is bizarre, but there are other physical factors at play when it comes to the stability of your lower dental replacement. Keep reading to find out what gives, and what you can do to help yourself out!
Oral Genetics
Much like gravity, the shape of your mouth is, unfortunately, something you can’t control. Some patients have just the right bone structure and ridge shape to keep their lower denture in place. If you have a weaker jawbone or a flat ridge, the bottom half of your appliance is more likely to slip and slide.
Poor Denture Alignment
For maximum stability, the teeth attached to your denture have to be aligned just so, and the entire package has to fit well in your mouth. It could be that daily use or some sort of minor accident has thrown off the teeth’s position, or that your lower denture is no longer up to date with the shape of your mouth.
New Teeth, Who’s This?
New oral appliances take time to adjust to. It’s possible that your denture feels slippery simply because you’re not used to wearing it. True, if this is the case, you would expect to have issues with the upper half as well.
In reality, though, your lower denture has more physics to deal with – namely, the movement of your tongue. Eventually, you’ll figure out how your denture responds to your facial muscles and be able to talk and eat without disturbing it.
Solutions for Shifty Dentures
If the problem with your bottom denture is alignment, your dentist can make adjustments easily enough. The other two possible causes for your troubles are a bit trickier to treat, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck! Here are some resources:
- Denture adhesive can help get your denture to stick
- Dedicated practice can speed up your adjustment
- Securing your denture with dental implants can keep it rooted
In any case, you should contact your dentist and unload your denture frustrations on them. They’re there to promote your oral health and comfort, meaning assisting you with slippery replacement teeth is part of their job description! They’d be happy to help you and might even be able to offer more personalized solutions catered to your unique situation.
About the Practice
Dr. Katie Carroll and Dr. Aaron Carroll make it their mission to help restore their patients’ confidence in their smiles – and dental replacements! Both actively pursue continuing education so they can provide the latest and greatest care, and Dr. Aaron is proudly certified in dental implant treatment. If you need help with a slippery lower denture, Dr. Katie and Dr. Aaron will get to the bottom of the issue and help you feel more secure and comfortable with your replacement! To contact their office, call 614-836-2222.