5 Potential Complications of Ill-Fitting Dentures

Losing several or all of your teeth can be a big hit to your confidence. You may feel less comfortable laughing or smiling for fear of what people will say about the gaps in your grin. Fortunately, dentures can be used to replace several teeth, an entire arch, or all of your pearly whites to give you back your confidence as well as some of your bite power. As helpful as these restorations are, several complications can arise if they don’t fit properly. Read on to learn about five issues that may develop with ill-fitting dentures.

Issue #1: Trouble Speaking  

Dentures that don’t fit properly will likely be unstable and won’t remain in place when you talk. This makes it difficult to speak properly and may make it difficult for people to understand what you’re saying. This may cause you to develop a lisp. In some cases, your dentures may even fall out.

Issue #2: Blisters and Swollen Gums

Another potential complication of ill-fitting dentures is swollen gums. The extra pressure and friction created by your restorations uncomfortably rubbing against your gums may also lead to blisters. Inflamed gums are also more susceptible to injury. Additionally, blisters that burst give oral bacteria access to the gums, which may cause periodontal disease to develop. Swelling that becomes chronic has also been linked to several overall health issues, including: 

• Certain kinds of cancer
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Alzheimer’s disease 
• Type 2 diabetes 
• Heart disease 
• Asthma 

Issue #3: Trouble Eating 

The constant movement of ill-fitting dentures can make it uncomfortable and painful to eat. This may also cause food to get stuck between your gums and restorations. This lets harmful oral bacteria feed on the food particles and release acids that weaken the enamel of your remaining teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities. 

Issue #4: Angular Cheilitis  

This is a bacterial infection that’s caused by saliva pooling in the corners of your mouth. Angular Cheilitis can happen when someone has an uneven bite, something that’s often caused by ill-fitting dentures. Symptoms of this bacterial infection include:

• Cracking or itching at the corners of the mouth
• A burning sensation
• Lip dryness
• Redness
• Rashes

Issue #5: Damage to Natural Teeth  

Slipping dentures rub up against your natural teeth in an odd way, which may damage them over time. This can leave your remaining pearly whites cracked, chipped, and worn down. All of these forms of damage make your smile more susceptible to decay, which may result in additional tooth loss if left untreated.

There are several potential complications associated with ill-fitting dentures. To prevent your restorations from affecting your remaining teeth or quality of life, speak with your dentist to have them adjusted. Soon, you’ll be sporting a beautiful, healthy-looking smile that you love!

About the Practice 

Dr. Julia Karpman, Dr. Marc Scoles, and Dr. Matthew Scoles lead the team of talented oral health professionals at Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill with the same care they want their patients to experience. They pride themselves on helping people better care for their teeth and learn to love their smiles. If you have dentures that don’t fit correctly, they can either adjust them or have a new pair made so you can once again enjoy a full smile. If you’re ready to set up an appointment or want more information on ill-fitting dentures, call (860) 563-3766 or visit their website.