Top 3 Reasons Your Dentures Don’t Fit—and What to Do
Dentures are meant to restore comfort, confidence, and the ability to eat and speak with ease. But when they don’t fit properly, they can cause just the opposite: irritation, slipping, soreness, and frustration.
The good news? Most denture fit issues are common, and there are straightforward solutions. Here are the top three reasons your dentures may not fit properly—and what you can do to fix them.
1. Your Jawbone is Changing
If you’ve lost teeth, your jawbone naturally begins to shrink over time. This is a natural process called bone resorption. As the shape of your jaw and gums changes, your dentures may no longer sit snugly or securely—especially if they were made years ago.
What to do:
Regular denture checkups with your dentist can help with small adjustments. In some cases, a denture reline can help. Relining involves reshaping the underside of your existing dentures so they better match your current gum contours. In some cases, switching to implant-supported dentures can provide a more permanent and stable solution.
2. Your Dentures Weren’t Fitted Properly
Not all dentures are created equal. If your dentures were cheaply made using a general mold or mass production methods, they may not account for your specific gum shape, jaw movement, or bite alignment. Uneven pressure from an unstable appliance can lead to gum irritation, accelerated bone loss, and chronic discomfort. Unfortunately, some people assume discomfort is just part of wearing dentures—when in reality, it’s often preventable.
What to do:
If your dentures have never felt quite right, it’s worth seeking a second opinion from another dentist to see if a new set is in order. A well-fitting denture should feel stable and natural, instead of something you constantly have to manage to feel your best.
3. Your Dentures are Worn Out
Even with the best preventive care, all dentures wear down over years of regular use. Signs of wear can include flattened or chipped teeth, a warped denture base, or misshapen acrylics. Worn dentures may not just feel uncomfortable. They can also affect how well you chew, how your jaw aligns, and even the shape of your face. Deteriorating dentures may also contribute to headaches or irritation of the soft tissues in your mouth.
What to do:
If your dentures are more than 5–7 years old, they may be due for replacement. Many dental insurance plans cover new dentures every few years, and many dentists offer flexible options for updating or remaking them. Regular checkups can help catch these issues early and extend the lifespan of your dentures.
Don’t Settle for Dentures That Don’t Fit
The right dentures should feel secure, comfortable, and natural. If yours aren’t, come to Apex Dental and let’s help you get a smile that looks and feels great.
At Apex Dental, we offer:
- Custom full and partial dentures
- Professional denture repairs
- Implant-supported dentures
- In-house fabrication for faster turnaround
Ready for a Better Fit?
Request your appointment today and take the first step towards a confident, healthy mouth that’s worth smiling about.
