Dentures are one of the most common treatments available for missing teeth. Better known as “false teeth”, dentures are custom-made prosthetic devices designed to fit against the gums and replace the look and feel of natural teeth. Available in full or partial varieties depending on how many teeth are missing from the jawbone, dentures are designed to be easy to remove for cleaning and sleeping. Yet, while dentures are a reliable option and the treatment has evolved a lot over the decades, there are still some common problems that many patients with dentures experience.
Many of these problems are typically caused by ill-fitting or neglected dentures: chewing difficulty, gum irritation, and dentures slipping out of place. Poorly constructed dentures, lack of adequate dental hygiene, and even certain medical conditions all increase the risk of experiencing issues with your new set of teeth.
Are you missing all or most of your natural teeth? If so, you’re probably weighing up all your options, including dentures, to figure out which one is best for you. You may be wondering if you’re at high risk for issues with dentures. Or maybe you’ve already experienced some, and you’re looking into other options.
Soreness: It’s normal for new dentures to feel uncomfortable at first. Tenderness can last a few weeks as your mouth adjusts. Persistent pain may indicate a problem with the fit or your oral health.
Difficulty Speaking: Dentures feel different from natural teeth, and speaking may take practice. If speech issues continue, the dentures may be poorly fitted or poorly made.
Difficulty Eating: Chewing takes time to get used to, and dentures may slip when biting. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods—like nuts, toffee, raw vegetables, or steak—should be avoided initially.
Dentures Slipping :New dentures may move during eating, laughing, or talking. Muscles adapt over time, but incorrect sizing can cause ongoing slipping.
Excess Saliva: Excess saliva in the first weeks is normal. Persistent drooling can indicate a poor fit or overly thick dentures pressing on gums, tongue, or cheeks.
Loss of Suction: Dry mouth, bone loss, medications, or age can reduce denture suction. Dental implants or adhesives can help, though adhesives may cause issues with some foods.
Gagging: Dentures that sit too far back can trigger gag reflexes. Jawbone shrinkage may also require denture realignment.
Gum Sores: Poorly fitting dentures, trapped food, or bacteria from uncleaned dentures can cause painful sores on gums.
Reasons you may experience gum irritation, speech problems and other issues from your dentures include:
Ill-Fitting Dentures: Poorly fitted dentures are the main cause of denture problems. As we age, gums and jawbones shrink, which can make dentures that once fit well become loose or uncomfortable.
Improper Denture Hygiene: Not cleaning dentures properly can lead to oral issues such as stomatitis, redness, and inflammation beneath the denture.
Sleeping with Dentures in: Always remove dentures before sleeping. Sleeping with them in increases the risk of gum sores, bone loss, denture-related infections, and even pneumonia.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis weakens bones, including the jaw, which can reduce support for dentures and affect their long-term fit. People with osteoporosis can still use dentures, but they require a skilled dentist to ensure proper fit and function.
If dentures aren’t suitable for you, or you’ve tried them without success, there are several other options for replacing missing teeth:
Dental bridges
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It attaches to the teeth on either side and can be traditional (crowns on both ends), cantilever (crown on one end), or implant-supported. Implant-supported bridges are permanent and aren’t removable, lasting many years with proper care.
Dental implants
A dental implant is a metal screw placed in the jawbone with a crown attached on top. Implants are a long-lasting solution for one or more missing teeth. Patients with osteoporosis can still receive implants, though additional procedures like bone grafting may be needed.
All-on-4®
All-on-4® is an advanced restorative treatment that replaces an entire arch of teeth using just four implants—two at the front and two at the back. It has a 98% success rate, avoids the need for bone grafting, and can restore your smile in as little as 24 hours, with a faster recovery than traditional implants.
With 7 Super Clinics across Australia and a network of accredited regional partners, reliable dental implant care is always within reach. From your first consultation to lifelong aftercare, our coordinated network delivers complete implant solutions – all under one roof.