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You’d think upper dentures would have a more challenging time staying in place, what with gravity bringing them down slowly, but surely, right? It’s quite the opposite. Bottom dentures are the ones that have trouble staying in place and get dislodged much easier compared to their upper counterparts. Here’s why they don’t stay put and how you can solve those problems:
Tongue and Salivary Glands
Yes, that moving mouth muscle responsible for speech and taste is a primary reason for getting in the way of your bottom denture’s security. Why? Your tongue is closer to your lower teeth than your upper pearly whites. As such, saliva builds up under it more, lubricating the dentures’ ridges and causing them to dislodge more easily.
Your upper teeth are drier than the lower oral cavity, especially when you exhale through your mouth.
Differently-Shaped Lower Oral Ridge
Dentures need enough bone height and width to lock them in place. The ideal placement is a u-shaped lower oral cavity, as it is the most natural shape that allows the false teeth to fit in seamlessly.
However, if your lower oral cavity is flat or has a negative ridge, it will not stay in place for long since there is not enough jawbone or gumline to lock the dentures securely.
Misalignment
Some see dentures as an opportunity to enhance their aesthetics to a fault. Granted, dentures do impact the placement of the lips and mouth, giving them a taut appearance instead of a shrunken, shriveled look without any teeth. But this does not mean a patient can take liberties with this when going in for dentures.
Denture installation must occur in the same ridge where the teeth once were, not in front of it to make your lips look fuller or behind it to hide an overbite. These misalignments won’t just cause an ill-fitting device but may also pose speech and eating problems due to their improper placement.
Remember: dentures must go directly on top of the ridges where your natural teeth once were.
The Learning Curve
A new set of dentures feels like getting new teeth all at once. It takes a bit getting used to, especially with the new placement and alignment. As such, your mouth will go through a learning curve eating and speaking with it, causing them to loosen now and then.
Don’t be disheartened when it happens. It’s part of the process.
Keeping Them in Place
Now that we know the problems, here are the solutions to keeping bottom dentures in place:
Keep Practicing
Yes, it’s tough managing a new set of teeth that can come off instantly. But all you need to do is practice speaking, eating, and pronouncing words with them. Chew with both sides to apply even pressure; rest your tongue in a different area of your mouth to prevent slipping; unclench your jaw after talking. Try not to overthink, as the dentures act like your natural teeth.
Dental Adhesives
If you’re having difficulty keeping them in place, it may be time for dental adhesives. Three small dots on your ridges’ front left and right areas should keep the dentures in place.
Dental Implants
If you want a worry-free, permanent solution to slipping bottom dentures, get them screwed in securely with dental implants. Not only will they stop moving, but they’ll also integrate with your jawbone through the screw for a more natural fit with your jaw!
Final Words
Always consult with a medical professional regarding the dentures solution you want. They may note that you only need practice to keep your new bottom teeth in place without extra cost. However, if this method doesn’t work after some time, it may be best to seek a more permanent way to keep those dentures firmly in place.
For the best advice about dentures in Ann Arbor, book your appointment with Dental House MI right now! We’re a practice that specializes in cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dentistry with affordable packages and discounts. Visit our website to schedule your visit today!
