That slipping, clicking, or rocking sensation with your dentures is more than just annoying—it can make eating, speaking, and smiling a challenge. If your dentures are feeling loose, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they are broken. Often, it’s a common sign that your mouth or your dentures need attention.
At ABC Dental Chicago, we help patients from Logan Square and across the city find secure, comfortable fits. This guide walks you through why dentures loosen and the professional solutions we use to get your smile back on track.
Why Do Dentures Become Loose?
Understanding the cause is the first step to the right fix. Here are the most common reasons:
- Bone Resorption: This is the #1 cause. After tooth loss, the jawbone that supported your teeth slowly shrinks and changes shape. Your dentures, however, stay the same, creating a growing gap.
- Wear and Tear: Daily use can wear down the acrylic teeth or the pink denture base material, affecting how they sit against your gums.
- Weight Changes: Gaining or losing weight can change the shape of your gum ridges and palate, impacting the fit of your denture.
- Natural Aging of the Denture: Over 5-10 years, materials can warp or weaken slightly, even with excellent care.
Solutions Your Chicago Dentist Can Provide
When you visit us at ABC Dental with loose dentures, our goal is to restore a secure, comfortable fit. Here are the most common professional adjustments we perform:
1. Denture Reline
This is the most frequent solution. We add a new layer of acrylic material to the tissue-fitting surface of your denture. This fills in the gaps created by bone and gum changes, “re-molding” it to your current mouth shape.
- Soft Reline: Uses a cushiony material for patients with sensitive gums or thin ridges.
- Hard Reline: Uses durable acrylic for a long-lasting fit.
2. Denture Adjustment (Rebasing)
If the denture teeth are still good but the pink acrylic base is worn or warped, we may create an entirely new base that fits your current anatomy while keeping the existing teeth.
3. Denture Replacement
When a denture is old, severely worn, or has been relined multiple times, a brand-new custom denture is often the best and most comfortable long-term solution.
4. Implant-Supported Solutions
For the ultimate in stability, we can design dentures that anchor to dental implants. Just 2-4 implants can secure a lower denture, eliminating rocking and slippage entirely.
When Should You See a Dentist in Chicago?
Don’t wait for discomfort or sores to develop. Schedule an appointment at our Logan Square office if you notice:
- Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
- Frequent use of excessive adhesive
- Sore spots, irritation, or clicking sounds
- A denture that feels unstable or “floats”
Temporary Tip: While waiting for your appointment, a small amount of denture adhesive can provide temporary security. Avoid using excessive amounts, as this can further alter the fit.
Your Next Step to a Secure Smile
A loose denture is a fixable problem. At ABC Dental Chicago, our experienced team, including Dr. Nada Zayzafoon, has provided thousands of denture adjustments and relines for patients across Chicago. We offer quick, in-house solutions to get you comfortable again.
Don’t struggle with slipping dentures. Contact ABC Dental Chicago in Logan Square today to schedule a denture adjustment consultation and regain your confident smile. 773-481-2200