Are your

dentures

feeling loose? There are two main ways to make your dentures fit better. If they are slightly loosening, you could make do with a simple adhesive. However, if they are really starting to lose their fit, it may be time to think about getting them relined. These useful guidelines will help you decide which method is best for you. 

Denture Adhesives 

These work well on dentures that still fit relatively well but are slightly loosening. Using adhesives will allow your dentures to stick better. This reduces anxieties about the dentures slipping or falling out of place which means eating and talking with them in will become less stressful. 

Denture adhesives are a perfect quick fix solution for minor problems with your denture fit. They are inexpensive and available over the counter in most pharmacies. If you are thinking of using adhesives, ask your dentist for further information. They should be able to recommend the most appropriate brand for you to use.

Relining 

With the progress of time, the structure of your mouth tends to change. After losing your natural teeth, the bones in your jaw are likely to change shape, shift and move.  This can mean that after a few years of wear, your dentures will no longer fit in your mouth as well as they originally did. 

Unfortunately, denture adhesives don't tend to work for this problem as the dentures can become too loose for adhesives to take effect. In some cases they can become uncomfortable, rubbing on areas of your gums.  If you are experiencing discomfort and pain from your dentures or if they are over three years old, you should consider having them relined. 

To reline your dentures, your dentist will take a mould of your mouth and use a resin to reshape the plate of your dentures to the new mouth structure. This way, you will be able to keep the same dentures, but they will be a closer and more comfortable fit to the shape of your mouth. 

Medical guidance suggests that with proper care, your dentures should last between five and eight years. If you have had your dentures for over five years, it may be time to consider renewing them. 

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and regularly visit your dentist for check-ups. If you are having problems with the fit of your dentures, speak to your dentist who will be able to advise you on the best course of action.