Why Do My Dentures Hurt?

Dentures are a common appliance for people with multiple or an entire set of missing teeth. They can improve the appearance of your smile and allow you to chew and speak more comfortably. However, sometimes wearing dentures can also contribute to discomfort and pain if the prosthesis is old or doesn’t fit well. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the reasons why your dentures might be causing discomfort and what you can do to alleviate the issue.

Bone Loss (Causes Loose Dentures)

One of the most common causes of discomfort with dentures is bone loss. When you lose teeth, your jawbone begins to resorb or shrink. In turn, this changes the shape of the gum tissues over your bone, which is what your dentures use to create a seal in your mouth. As bone shrinkage occurs, it can cause your dentures to become loose and shift around in your mouth. Loose dentures almost always rub against your gums and cause sores or irritation. Additionally, the shifting of your dentures can make it difficult to chew or speak properly.

The best way to prevent bone loss is to take your dentures out while you’re sleeping and to have your prosthesis evaluated on a routine basis. Sleeping in a denture can accelerate bone loss, causing your “plate” to fit poorly in a relatively short amount of time. In some cases, adding dental implants can help delay bone loss while also providing a stable base for your denture to snap onto.

Rubbing and Shifting of Your “Plate”

Another common cause of pain with dentures is the rubbing and shifting whenever you’re moving your mouth. This can occur when your dentures do not fit properly, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including weight loss, changes in your oral anatomy, wearing a temporary prosthesis, or not having your denture relined on a regular basis.

To alleviate this discomfort, it’s important to visit our Clear Lake dentist for regular exams and adjustments as needed. Our dentist can adjust your dentures so that they fit more comfortably and securely in your mouth. A repair or reline can usually offset the immediate need for having your denture completely replaced.

Relying on Denture Adhesive or Paste

While denture adhesive can be helpful for securing your dentures in place, relying on it too much can actually cause discomfort. Ideally, a great set of dentures (especially an upper denture) can fit without any type of adhesive, thanks to the seal it creates against your gums. Denture adhesive can sometimes cause a bad taste in your mouth or lead to the accumulation of bacteria. Additionally, if you’re using too much adhesive, it can make it difficult to remove your dentures at night, which can cause further irritation to your soft tissues.

If you’re experiencing discomfort with your dentures and are using a lot of adhesives to keep them in place, it may be time for an adjustment or denture reline. Our Clear Lake dentists can help you determine the best solution for your specific needs.

Needing a Denture Adjustment or Reline

As dentures get older and start causing you pain, it may be time for an adjustment or reline. An adjustment is a simple process where our dentist will make small changes to the fit of your dentures to make them more comfortable as they rest against your gums. A reline, on the other hand, involves adding material to the base of your dentures to improve their fit. We take a series of molds so that the new lining of your denture is custom fitted to your current mouth shape. Relines make dentures more comfortable to wear and can help prolong the lifespan of your removable prosthesis.

It’s important to note that dentures do not last forever and will need to be replaced periodically. If you’re experiencing a lot of discomfort with your dentures, it may be a sign that it’s time for a new set. By planning regular checkups we can monitor your oral health and denture fit to avoid any unexpected treatment expenses.

Dentures and Denture Repairs in Clear Lake

At Rosas Family Dentistry in Clear Lake, TX, we understand that denture discomfort can be frustrating and painful. That’s why we offer a range of denture services to help you find the relief you need. From denture adjustments and relines to new dentures and denture repairs, our team is here to help you achieve a comfortable, healthy smile.

If you’re experiencing discomfort with your dentures, don’t wait to seek help. Call Rosas Family Dentistry today to request an appointment.