What to Do When Your Dentures Don't Fit Properly? - Dentistry

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When you find yourself in a situation where your dentures do not fit properly, it can be both frustrating and uncomfortable. The first step is to communicate openly with your dentist about the issues you're experiencing. Here are some steps and considerations to help you navigate this situation effectively.

1. Identify the Specific Issues: Before your appointment, take note of the specific problems you're facing with your dentures. Are they too loose or too tight? Are there areas that are causing discomfort or pain? Is there difficulty in speaking or chewing? Documenting these issues will help your dentist understand your concerns better.

2. Schedule an Appointment: Contact your dentist as soon as possible to discuss the problems. It’s essential to address fitting issues promptly to avoid further complications, such as gum irritation or infection.

3. Professional Adjustment: During your appointment, your dentist will likely perform adjustments to your dentures. This can involve reshaping the denture base, adjusting the bite, or even relining the dentures to ensure a better fit. Dentists have specialized tools and techniques to make these adjustments, which can significantly improve comfort and functionality.

4. Consider a Reline or Rebase: If your dentures continue to fit poorly after adjustments, your dentist may recommend a reline or rebase. A reline involves adding new material to the existing denture base to improve the fit, while a rebase involves replacing the entire base of the denture while keeping the existing teeth intact. This can be particularly useful if your gums have changed shape since the dentures were first made.

5. Evaluate the Initial Impressions: If issues persist, it may be worth discussing whether the initial impressions taken for your dentures were accurate. Sometimes, inaccuracies in the impressions can lead to poorly fitting dentures. If this is the case, your dentist may need to take new impressions and create a new set of dentures.

6. Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, or if you are not satisfied with the adjustments made, consider seeking a second opinion from another dental professional. Different dentists may have varying approaches and techniques that could lead to a better outcome.

7. Follow-Up Care: After adjustments or new dentures are made, follow your dentist's instructions for care and maintenance. This includes regular check-ups to monitor the fit and condition of your dentures, as well as proper cleaning techniques to maintain oral health.

8. Be Patient: Adjusting to new dentures can take time. It’s common to experience some discomfort initially, but if the issues persist, do not hesitate to return to your dentist for further evaluation.

9. Consider Psychological Factors: Sometimes, the discomfort may also stem from psychological factors, such as anxiety about wearing dentures. If you find that anxiety is affecting your ability to adapt to your dentures, consider discussing this with your dentist or a mental health professional.

In summary, if your dentures do not fit properly, the best course of action is to communicate openly with your dentist, document your specific issues, and be proactive about seeking adjustments or a second opinion if necessary. Proper fitting dentures are crucial not only for comfort but also for maintaining oral health and functionality. Remember, your dentist is there to help you, and addressing these concerns promptly can lead to a more satisfactory outcome.