01
Evaluation
We examine your denture, gum tissue, and underlying bone to determine why the fit has changed.
← All Symptoms
Denture care
My Denture Doesn't Fit
Dentures that slip, cause sores, or no longer feel secure are more than an inconvenience — they can affect your nutrition, confidence, and oral health.
What is this condition?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. Over time — typically every few years — the jawbone and gum tissue change shape as bone is gradually resorbed. This causes dentures to become loose, uncomfortable, or ill-fitting. A denture that fit perfectly when it was made may no longer fit well a few years later.
Why might I have this?
- Natural bone resorption (shrinkage) under the denture over time
- Weight loss causing changes in facial tissue
- A denture that was never fitted properly
- A broken or cracked denture
- Normal wear that has changed the fit and bite
- Gum tissue changes from aging or health conditions
What symptoms should I watch for?
- Dentures that slip or click when eating or speaking
- Sore spots or ulcers on the gums from friction
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Changes in your speech or pronunciation
- A denture that requires excessive adhesive to stay in place
- Visible cracks, chips, or broken teeth on the denture
What happens during treatment?
02
Relining or Rebasing
A reline adds new material to the fitting surface of the denture to match the current shape of your gums. A rebase replaces the entire base while keeping the teeth.
03
Repair or Replacement
Cracked or broken dentures may be repaired. If the denture is beyond repair or very old, a new denture may be the best solution.
04
Implant Options
Implant-supported dentures eliminate the problem of looseness entirely by anchoring the denture to implants placed in the jawbone.
Will it hurt?
Denture adjustments and relining are painless procedures. If you have sore spots from an ill-fitting denture, we will relieve the pressure points and allow the tissue to heal before making permanent adjustments.
How long does it take?
A denture reline or adjustment typically takes one to two appointments of about 60–90 minutes each. A new denture requires several appointments over 4–6 weeks.
What happens after treatment?
- Remove and clean your denture every night
- Soak your denture in water or denture solution overnight
- Brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft brush daily
- Handle your denture over a folded towel or basin of water to prevent breakage if dropped
- Schedule regular check-ups even if you have no natural teeth
What happens if I don't treat it?
An ill-fitting denture causes chronic sore spots that can develop into serious tissue problems over time. Bone loss accelerates when a denture doesn't fit properly. Poor nutrition from difficulty chewing affects your overall health.
Possible treatments
Dentures & Partials
Custom-made full and partial dentures that fit comfortably and look natural.
Learn moreDental Implants
Implant-supported dentures stay in place without adhesives or slipping.
Learn moreFull-Mouth Reconstruction
A comprehensive plan to restore your smile, bite, and confidence.
Learn moreDo you perform this at Essential Dental Care?
Yes. We provide denture evaluations, relines, repairs, and new dentures at Essential Dental Care. We also offer implant-supported dentures for patients who want a more permanent, stable solution.
Schedule an Evaluation
Don't wait — early treatment is almost always simpler, less expensive, and more comfortable. We're here to help.