If you have recently gotten dentures placed or are thinking about getting dentures in the future, you might be wondering how they should fit in your mouth or when you should get them adjusted.
These are normal things people wonder when they encounter the option of getting dentures. Dentures will help play a big role in helping you maintain a normal lifestyle, especially when you are eating, smiling and speaking. But how should dentures fit properly?
But what happens when the adjustment period seems to be taking a while? Maybe a denture adjustment and realigning are needed? Here are the answers to these questions.
How to Tell When Your Dentures Fit Perfectly
Dentures help us restore the function and form of our teeth. Although they are an artificial substitute for natural teeth, dentures should not feel artificial to you. Once the adaptation period is over, you should hardly notice them.
However, upper and lower dentures are not the same in terms of fit. Upper dentures benefit from the suction that naturally occurs in the mouth, which helps secure them to the upper jaw. Lower dentures don’t have this happen to them. Your muscles will hold them in place.
The dentures should more or less fit perfectly in your mouth, replicating the shape and feel of natural teeth. They should be able to restore the look and feel of your teeth without any trade-offs.
If you are able to chew, talk, smile and laugh effortlessly without any worries, then this is a great sign that your dentures fit you perfectly.
Signs You Need to Get Your Dentures Adjusted
Sometimes, dentures do not fit exactly right, which you will most likely notice in one way or another. These are some examples of when you would want to get a denture adjustment:
Your dentures are causing a gag reflex. Both your lower and upper dentures can cause gagging if not fitted correctly. If this is happening to you, you should get your dentures adjusted. They will need to be properly inspected by a denture specialist so that they can determine what is causing the gagging.
Dentures are slipping while eating, laughing or talking. This can happen to dentures that even fit perfectly. But, this is a sign that the underlying bone structure and gums have gone through changes. Since dentures are unable to conform to the new shape of your mouth, they will often start slipping.
Dentures cause pain or discomfort. Dentures need to make uniform contact with the upper and lower jaw tissues, and if they can’t do this, then they will rub your gums and cause sore spots.
You need to use denture adhesive every day. While denture adhesives are useful for the initial placement of dentures, they are not a long-term solution. If you need to use denture adhesive daily then you should see a professional for some help.