3 Signs Your Dentures Need an Adjustment

You wear dentures and you cannot help but wonder if you need a denture adjustment. You have heard that adjustments are common, but you do not know the signs that an adjustment is needed. Learn the common signs that indicate it is time for an adjustment. If you experience any of these signs or other issues with your dentures, make an appointment with a general dentist.

Signs a denture adjustment is needed

Patients should not adjust their dentures themselves. Adjusting the dentures at home can cause the dentures to break. Instead, it is recommended that patients who experience issues get an adjustment at the dentist’s office. Dentists can make small adjustments in the office while the patient is waiting.

The dentist checks the fit after making the adjustments and continues the process until the fit is correct. Properly adjusted dentures are secure in the mouth and allow people to perform normal functions such as talking and eating. Find out when adjustments are necessary. Those who need an adjustment should make an appointment immediately.

1.Trouble eating

It is normal for denture wearers to experience difficulty eating at first. People often eat soft foods that are easy to chew when first getting dentures. However, denture wearers should adjust to the prosthetics quickly. If people continue to experience problems chewing or if the issue gets worse, an adjustment is needed. The adjustment will make the fit more secure, so people can chew with ease.

2.Slippage

After getting new dentures, many people experience denture slippage. The dentures move out of place when people laugh or cough. Sometimes, the dentures move out of place when people smile. Patients learn to keep dentures in position using tongue and cheek muscles. If the problem persists after engaging the muscles, the fit is not snug enough, and the dentures must be adjusted to keep them in place.

3.Discomfort and sores

Many people experience mild discomfort right after getting dentures. The discomfort subsides after people get used to wearing the prosthetics. However, if the dentures become uncomfortable later, the prosthetics likely need to be adjusted. Ill-fitting dentures can rub sore spots on the gums. Failure to adjust the dentures could lead to significant sores and irritation on the gums.

Along with adjusting the dentures, the dentist can recommend ways for the patient to soothe the gums and promote healing. For example, the dentist might recommend a saltwater rinse to promote healing. Dental adhesives might be recommended, as well. Patients should discuss this with the general dentist after the denture adjustment.

Do your dentures need an adjustment?

If you need a denture adjustment, schedule an appointment with a general dentist to have it done professionally. You should make an appointment if you have trouble eating, your dentures are slipping or you experience discomfort or sores. Your dentist can make the adjustment quickly and restore the function of your dental appliance. If an adjustment could not fix the issue, your dentist can recommend another solution, such as a denture repair to provide the correct fit.

Request an appointment here: https://www.johnbburgessdds.com or call John B. Burgess, DDS at (865) 321-9505 for an appointment in our Oak Ridge office.

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