Dentistry-Online

Denture is loose

introduction

In the technical jargon of dentistry, every tooth replacement is in principle summarized under the term dental prosthesis, while most patients understand a "prosthesis" to be a classic full denture (as shown in the picture below).
Dental prosthetics divide the dentures normally used into two main groups, the fixed and the 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 and full dentures are included in the group of removable dentures.

A partial dental prosthesis (partial prosthesis) is used to replace individual missing, natural teeth. By attaching brackets and arches to the prosthesis material, it can be fixed within the oral cavity. When manufactured correctly and with a high degree of accuracy of fit, a partial dental prosthesis is usually very comfortable to wear, since it remains on the ridge without any major 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. The production of such a dental prosthesis is usually necessary as soon as all teeth in a jaw (upper or lower jaw) have fallen out and in order to be able to maintain the chewing function.

You may also be interested in this topic: Interim prosthesis

Treatment - How does the prosthesis hold up better again?

If the denture becomes so loose over time that the patient has increasing problems eating or the removable denture moves a lot when speaking and laughing, a dentist should be consulted.

A loose denture can over time irritate the oral mucosa and the gums in such a way that injuries and the development of inflammatory processes can occur. Such a loose dental prosthesis urgently needs to be touched up or replaced with a new denture.
Reasons for a dental prosthesis that once sat optimally on the alveolar ridge to become loose can be, in addition to inadequate prosthesis hygiene, a decline in the jawbone.

The dentist can now try to reline the removable dentures with a soft material containing plastic. Even this simple measure can lead to the fact that sufficiently strong adhesive forces can be built up again between the prosthesis material and the oral cavity.

In addition, if the dental prosthesis is loosely seated, new support can be obtained by grinding in the plastic base. In general, it is only necessary to make a new partial or full denture when all other available options have been fully exhausted.

Relining

The relining of a denture is the most effective way to improve the hold of a wobbly or ill-fitting denture. When relining the prosthesis, a prosthesis that no longer fits exactly is adapted to the current jaw conditions. Special denture plastics are used for this. Relining can be done by a direct method or by an indirect method.

The most commonly used method is the indirect method, in which the denture base is first ground thinner. It then serves as an impression tray, from which models (plaster models) of the patient situation are made. In the dental laboratory, the lining is made with solid denture plastic.
With the direct method, the prosthesis is fitted directly in the patient's mouth using relining materials that remain soft.

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

Learn more about this at: Reline the denture

Adhesive cream

A denture adhesive cream can have a positive effect on the hold of a denture. In the mouth, it fills the cavities that have arisen between the prosthesis and the mucous membrane of the jawbone, which improves adhesion and fit.

In addition to being used sparingly, it should only be used for a short time, as it reduces the sense of taste and the production of saliva. With daily, long-term use, it can also cause damage to the oral mucosa in the form of allergic reactions.

Denture adhesive creams are applied in a thin layer to the cleaned and dry dentures. After insertion, the denture is pressed firmly against the oral mucosa and held in this position for a short time. The shelf life can vary from person to person, which means that multiple applications throughout the day may be necessary.

The denture and the mouth should be cleaned thoroughly every day to remove any cream residue on the oral mucosa. A soft toothbrush or a denture brush with water and washing-up liquid should be used to clean the denture and not toothpaste. This can permanently damage the denture plastic.
The ingredients vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, with most denture adhesive creams containing zinc as an additive. This should help to hold the prosthesis firmly in place.

Read on below: Denture adhesive cream

Why is the prosthesis loose?

In order to be able to ensure that a dental prosthesis does not sit too loosely, high demands are placed on the dental technician in terms of both the prosthesis material and the manufacture. Creating an ideal hold in the oral cavity is much more difficult with a full denture compared to a partial denture. A well-fitted full denture does not sit loosely because it is essentially held in place between the oral mucosa and the denture material by means of so-called adhesive forces.

Contrary to the widespread misconception that a full denture of the upper jaw is much looser than a dental prosthesis of the lower jaw due to gravity, the reality is exactly the opposite. For most patients, total dentures in the upper jaw have a larger surface area, which means that greater adhesive forces can be built up between the oral mucosa and the denture plastic. Although the precision during the manufacture of the removable denture probably plays the most important role in whether it fits loosely, the hygienic handling of the denture is also a decisive factor. Dentures that are seldom cleaned or insufficiently cleaned and, for this reason, have heavy deposits, generally find little support on the ridge and are increasingly looser.

Basically, a well-fitted, properly cleaned denture should not sit loosely but rather firmly in the oral cavity. However, since this optimal situation is not always achievable in patients who suffer from severe receding of the jawbone or other unevenness in the bone structure, additional denture adhesives can be used.
Especially during the acclimatization period, i.e. in the first few weeks after inserting the denture, it makes sense to additionally fix the denture by using a denture adhesive. In addition, temporary (provisional) dentures in particular have to be worn using special adhesives. Denture adhesives can be purchased in the form of ointments, strips, foils, liquids and as a powder in pharmacies or health food stores. A patient whose dentures are loose does not necessarily have to resort to the most expensive products. Since the preparations must ensure a firm hold of the removable dentures within the oral cavity and should still be removable without leaving any residue, not all ingredients are suitable for their manufacture.

Also read our topic: Jawbone build-up - this is how you can counteract the jawbone decline