Don’t Delay! 3 Good Reasons to Reline Your Dentures

If you’ve suffered from tooth loss, you have probably already experienced some of the frustration that comes with it. Our teeth play a key role in how we eat and speak, after all, so life without them brings unique challenges. Fortunately, dentures are a tried-and-true solution that can restore your smile and make these daily tasks much simpler.

If your dentures have begun to chafe or frequently become displaced, though, you’re no longer able to make the most of them. If they need to be adjusted or relined, you won’t want to delay. Keep reading to learn 3 reasons why.

Reason #1: Bleeding Gums

For your dentures to stay in place, they need to fit like a glove. They rest on your gums which gain their structure from the underlying bone structure. Unfortunately, when you lose a tooth your body reabsorbs the surrounding bone mass because there’s nothing there to keep it stimulated and active. As a result, if you’ve lost several or all your teeth then your jawbone begins to deteriorate. This changes your facial structure so dentures that once fit perfectly no longer do.  

These changes mean that your dentures are less secure in your mouth and will rub in places they shouldn’t. You could end up with swollen, aching gums that bleed when you have them in. This is both uncomfortable as well as a health risk because it leaves you vulnerable to germs and infection. If you’ve noticed that your gums are sore when you wear your dental gear, it’s time to call the dentist.

Reason #2: Challenges Speaking

You rely on your teeth to be able to form certain words and sounds required for effective communication. Dentures can thankfully fill that role after tooth loss, but not if they aren’t fitting properly! If they’re loose in your mouth when you talk, you could develop a lisp or other difficulties. They’re also more likely to pop out of your mouth mid-conversation if they’re no longer attaching well. Save yourself the embarrassment and have them refitted so that you can speak as smoothly as ever.

Reason #3: An Aching Jaw

If your dentures are frequently slipping or clicking out of place, you’re likely working your tongue and mouth muscles harder than before to try to hold it in. Over time, the extra effort could leave your cheeks and jaw feeling sore. You might even develop a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder or a locked jaw which leads to other health issues. It’s hard to keep up a healthy diet, for example, when it hurts to bite down or chew! By contacting your dentist as soon as you notice a problem, you can avoid unnecessary complications.

Keeping your dentures in good shape is key to making the most of them. If yours no longer fit, contact your dentist so that you can get back to enjoying all the benefits they provide.

About the Author

Dr. Steven Oshins graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where he was selected as one of 2 students across the United States for an internship at the United States Penitentiary Atlanta. Here, he worked under and learned from the most prestigious dentists in the Federal Government. He since has completed post-graduate programs where he learned advanced dentistry including esthetic, occlusion, implant, and restorative dentistry. That means if you’re having problems with your dentures, he’s an expert who can help! You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (518) 356-5635.