Dentures are loose

Introduction

In dental terminology, in principle, every dental prosthesis is subsumed under the term “dental prosthesis”, whereas most patients understand a “prosthesis” to be a classic total denture (as shown in the picture below, for example). Dental prosthodontics divides the normally used dental prosthesis into two main groups, fixed and removable dentures.

Types of dentures

While the group of fixed dentures includes extensive fillings and bridges as well as partial and full crowns, so-called partial dentures and total dentures are counted among the group of removable dentures. A partial prosthesis (partial denture) serves to replace individual missing, natural teeth. It can be fixed inside the oral cavity by attaching clasps and arches to the denture material.

When correctly manufactured and fitted, a partial denture is usually very comfortable to wear, since it remains on the ridge of the jaw without any problems and does not sit loosely. In contrast to partial dentures, a total denture (total denture) has a large number of artificial teeth or even a complete set of teeth. Such a denture is usually necessary as soon as all teeth in one jaw (upper or lower jaw) have fallen out and in order to maintain the chewing function. This topic might also be of interest to you: Interim prosthesis

Treatment – How does the prosthesis hold better again?

If the denture becomes so loose over time that the patient has increasing problems with food intake, or if the removable denture moves a lot when speaking or laughing, a dentist should be consulted. Over time, a loose denture can irritate the oral mucosa and gums to such an extent that injuries and the development of inflammatory processes can occur. Such a loose denture must be repaired or replaced with a new one.

Reasons why a dental prosthesis, which once sat optimally on the jaw ridge, becomes loose can be, apart from the lack of prosthesis hygiene, a receding jawbone. The dentist can now try to reline the removable denture with a soft material containing plastic. Even this simple measure can lead to the reestablishment of sufficiently strong adhesive forces between the denture material and the oral cavity.

In addition, a loosely fitting denture can be regained by grinding the acrylic base. In general, the fabrication of a new partial or full denture only becomes necessary after all other available options have been fully exhausted. Lining a denture is the most effective way to improve the hold of a wobbly or poorly fitting denture.

With denture relining, a prosthesis that no longer fits exactly is adapted to the current jaw conditions. Special prosthesis plastics are used for this purpose. The relining can be done by a direct method or by an indirect method.

Basically, relining should always be carried out by a dentist or a dental technician in order to avoid serious damage and injury to the teeth and mouth.

  • The most commonly used method is the indirect method, in which the denture base is ground thinner at first. It then serves as an impression tray from which models (plaster casts) of the patient’s situation are made.

    In the dental laboratory the denture base is lined with solid denture plastic.

  • With the direct method, the prosthesis is fitted directly in the patient’s mouth using soft relining materials.

A denture adhesive cream can positively influence the hold of a denture. In the mouth, it fills cavities created between the prosthesis and the mucous membrane of the jawbone, improving adhesion and fit. Apart from economical use, it should only be applied for a short period of time, as it reduces the sense of taste and saliva production.

If used daily and for a long period of time, it can also cause damage to the mucous membrane of the mouth in the form of allergic reactions. Denture adhesive creams are applied in a thin layer on the cleaned and dry denture. After insertion, the denture is firmly pressed against the oral mucosa and held in this position for a short time.

The duration of the durability can vary from person to person, so it may be necessary to apply it several times during the day.The denture and the mouth should be cleaned thoroughly every day to remove cream residues on the oral mucosa. A soft toothbrush or a denture brush with water and detergent should be used to clean the denture, not toothpaste. This can permanently damage the denture plastic. The ingredients vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, although most denture adhesive creams contain zinc as an additive. This is to help keep the denture firmly in place.