Among the myriad challenges faced by upper partial denture wearers, a prominent one is the poor fit of the dentures. This issue often leads to discomfort, embarrassment, and potentially harmful health effects if not promptly addressed.
However, the silver lining here is that this problem is easily correctable.
If you’re unsure if your dentures fit properly, keep reading for some signs of a poorly fitting upper partial denture.
1. Slipping
Slipping is probably the most obvious sign of ill-fitting dentures.
Dentures that fit well should remain securely in place while talking, eating, laughing, or sneezing. You should not have to worry about embarrassing situations where the dentures may fall out or move around unexpectedly.
If you notice your dentures slipping or moving during these activities, it may suggest a need for adjustment, realignment, or perhaps replacement.
2. Sores
Sores and irritations are other potential consequences of poorly fitted dentures.
Despite not actively noticing your upper partial dentures moving around in your mouth, you may detect their movement by the sores and discomfort they cause. This is because dentures tend to rub against the gums when they move, leading to irritation and subsequent sore formation.
These sores may appear as reddened, swollen areas that are painful to the touch. These sores can also lead to difficulty in eating and speaking.
3. Pain or Discomfort
Pain or discomfort is not a normal part of wearing dentures. Apart from the soreness, you might experience pain from your upper partial dentures even before the formation of sores. This discomfort could result from the dentures moving or due to dentures fitting snugly but with uneven bite force distribution.
An uneven bite happens when the upper and lower dentures do not meet properly when you close your mouth or chew. This imbalance can subject certain areas in your mouth to excessive and painful force while chewing.
If you notice any pain or discomfort while wearing your dentures, this should be discussed with your dental professional at the earliest possible opportunity.
4. Trouble Eating
While it’s unreasonable to expect to eat all foods just like with natural teeth, properly fitting upper partial dentures should facilitate eating most of them.
If you’re struggling to chew food or eating is causing discomfort, this might be a sign of denture fitting problems.
Trouble eating is a common sign of poorly fitting dentures, and it may occur right after receiving your new dentures if they do not fit correctly.
5. Hard to Clean
Another sign that your upper partial dentures may not fit correctly is if they are hard to clean. If you begin to notice an increase in food particles and other residues trapped inside your denture, it signifies a poor fit.
Your denture should create a good seal against your gums, preventing food and other materials from getting up under them. If your dentures are not sealing correctly, cleaning can be more difficult and increase the likelihood of decay and infection in the remaining natural teeth and gums.
6. Changes in Facial Features
Dentures serve an essential role beyond merely assisting with chewing food. Wearing dentures helps to support the facial muscles and maintain your mouth’s natural structure. If your upper partial denture fits poorly, you might notice changes in your facial features over time.
These changes might include lip protrusion, retraction, or sagging skin and wrinkles around the mouth, creating an aged appearance. You might also observe changes in your speech, such as a lisp or a clicking sound while talking.
These changes might initially be subtle but can become more noticeable over time.
7. Denture-Related Infections
Poorly fitting dentures can increase your risk of denture-related infections, such as yeast infections, also known as oral thrush.
These occur when food, bacteria, and fungi become trapped under the denture, leading to infection. Symptoms include a burning sensation, red or swollen gums, or white patches on the surface of the gums or the roof of the mouth.
If your gums become red and swollen where they contact your dentures or if you notice any unusual patches or discoloration, it may suggest an infection.
8. Frequent Gagging or Choking
If you frequently gag or feel like choking on your upper partial denture, it might be ill-fitting.
Ill-fitting dentures may extend too far toward the back of your mouth, which can stimulate the gag reflex. Similarly, if the upper denture is too thick or heavy, it might fall down and cause a choking sensation. This sensation can be highly distressing and significantly impact your quality of life.
9. Persistent Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath can also indicate poorly fitting dentures, as they can trap food particles and bacteria, which can cause bad breath over time.
If you notice persistent bad breath even after thoroughly cleaning and maintaining good oral hygiene, it’s time to consult your dentist.
How Should an Upper Partial Denture Fit In Your Mouth?
If you never had dentures, knowing precisely how your dentures should fit in your mouth isn’t easy. An upper partial denture should fit comfortably, securely, and functionally in your mouth.
Comfort is paramount regarding the fit of an upper partial denture. There should be no discomfort or pain while wearing the denture. Slight discomfort may be expected when you initially start wearing a denture, but this should subside as your mouth adjusts.
The denture should stay in place without the need for frequent adjustments throughout the day. It should not slip or move when talking, laughing, eating, or sneezing. If it does, this could indicate that the denture is not fitting correctly and needs adjustment.
Get a Correctly Fitting Upper Partial Denture Today
Properly fitting upper partial dentures are critical not just for your oral health but for your overall comfort and well-being too.
Remember, symptoms like persistent discomfort, difficulty in speaking or eating, changes in facial features, recurrent oral infections, and chronic bad breath should not be overlooked. These signs point towards poorly fitting dentures and require immediate attention from a professional.
Luckily, you can buy perfectly fitting dentures online without visiting your dentist’s office. Check out our best sellers today.
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