Our mouths are in a constant state of change. While it may be hard to notice, your teeth are shifting, your gums are receding, and even the smallest change in your habits can have a big consequence for your oral health. If you’re missing teeth, these changes may be even more noticeable—which is why your dentures in 29678 no longer fit.
For denture wearers, changing their dentures every 5-7 years is a common practice. But have you ever wondered why they no longer fit? Here, we’ll answer that question, exploring how your mouth changes after tooth loss.
Why Do Dentures Stop Fitting Over Time?
1. Bone Resorption: The Main Culprit
Bone resorption is the most significant reason for changes in a denture wearer’s mouth. Natural teeth stimulate the jawbone, keeping it strong and maintaining its shape. When teeth are lost, that stimulation disappears, and the body begins to reabsorb the bone.
Over time, this shrinking bone structure changes the shape of the mouth, making it difficult for dentures to maintain their original fit.
2. Changes in Gum Tissue
Along with bone resorption, the mouth’s soft tissues, including the gums, also change over time. The gum ridges that support dentures can shrink, recede, or become thinner, affecting how well the dentures sit in place.
3. Natural Aging Process
Aging affects all parts of the body, including the mouth. Over time, facial muscles, skin elasticity, and jaw alignment shift, altering how dentures fit. The soft tissues around the mouth can lose firmness, causing lip support and overall facial structure changes. These gradual changes can make previously well-fitting dentures feel unstable.
4. Daily Wear and Tear on Dentures
Dentures are made from durable materials, but they are not indestructible. Daily wear and tear from chewing, talking, and cleaning can cause small changes in the shape and surface of the dentures. Over time, the restorative material may wear down, warp, or become misshapen, making them less effective in maintaining a proper fit.
Understand the Changes in Your Mouth and Make the Most Out of Your Dentures in 29678
For many who wear dentures, a common frustration is that their once-perfectly fitting dentures gradually become loose or uncomfortable. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a natural process caused by ongoing changes in the mouth.
By understanding why these changes occur, denture wearers can anticipate and address these issues before they lead to discomfort or difficulty with eating and speaking. And if your denture’s ill-fit has been causing discomfort, contact Hood Family Dentistry, and let’s explore options to make them fit again!