Stability Struggles: Why Won’t That Pesky Lower Denture Stay in Place?

Do you put your dentures in every day only to have the bottom arch wiggle and slip constantly? If so, you’re not alone. Many denture wearers have stability issues with their prosthetics which can lead to discomfort and frustration. Understanding the common reasons behind lower denture instability is the first step toward finding solutions and restoring confidence in your smile.

Read on to learn about the most common reasons for this slippage issue and a few tips on how to resolve it.

1. Poor Fit

One of the main reasons why lower dentures may not stay in place is poor fit. Over time, changes in the shape of your jawbone and gums can affect the fit of dentures. This leads to looseness and instability. Ill-fitting dentures tend to shift or slip while eating, speaking, or laughing, causing discomfort and interrupting your daily activities.

2. Aging Dentures

As dentures age, they may become worn or damaged, compromising their fit and stability. Over time, the materials used in dentures degrade, causing changes in shape and structure. Additionally, repeated adjustments and repairs to dentures can affect their fit and contribute to instability.

3. Dry Mouth

Believe it or not, a dry mouth can also lead to lower denture slippage. This is because dentures, especially the lower section, rely on suction to stick to gum tissues. Saliva plays a big role in that process as the moisture it provides is what creates the suction in the first place. When your mouth is dry, the acrylic base can’t adhere to the gums.

4. Poor Control

Dentures are at least partially secured by small muscle contractions in the lips that must be practiced. The issue with your lower denture’s stability could simply be that you haven’t practiced with them enough. This is especially true if you’ve only just received your first prosthetic.

How To Improve Denture Stability

Here are a few things you can try to keep your dentures from being mobile:

• Stay hydrated to improve denture suction.
• Use denture adhesive according to the directions to secure your denture.
• Practice wearing them and speaking to improve muscle control.
• Consider securing your dentures with dental implants that anchor to your jawbone.

Don’t let lower denture instability diminish your quality of life. Take action to address the underlying causes. Speak to your dentist to explore treatment options, so you can enjoy improved comfort, confidence, and functionality with your dentures.

About the Author

Do you need someone to help you through the difficulties of dentures? Dr. Charles Fana can guide you with a smile. He earned his dental degree from the University of Louisville. Since then, Dr. Fara has completed the curriculum at the prestigious L.D. Pankey Institute. This makes him an expert with restorations and replacements of all kinds. Call (912) 352-3955 to schedule a denture consultation at Compass Dental LLC or visit the website to explore other services.