• It is normal to feel discomfort with a new lower denture at first. If you cannot get used to it, it may indicate that your denture is too big or does not have enough support.
  • You can try a denture adhesive or relining your denture to make it fit better.
  • Placing implants can help keep your denture stable.
  • Use Authority Dental to book an appointment for the affordable dentures near you, or get a dental plan and save big on all dental procedures, including dentures.

Why do your lower dentures feel uncomfortable? Here's everything you need to know.

What causes lower denture problems?

Full lower dentures above the gums

Picture by Authority Dental under CC 2.0 license

A denture complaint can be caused by a variety of issues. If you have a lower denture, it's likely you'll experience some of these denture issues over the course of wearing them.

  • There is insufficient bone ridge (or a flat bone) to support the denture. Nothing for it to hold onto.

  • The denture teeth do not align with the maxillary denture or natural teeth.

  • There is inadequate denture border length. The dentures don't extend back far enough.

  • The patient is inpatient or has not had enough practice using them.

How to keep bottom dentures in place?

Full dentures for lower arch

Picture by Authority Dental under CC 2.0 license

There are a few ways you can get your traditional dentures to stay in place. You may only need to use one of these, or you may have to try all of them.

Take time to practice

Dentures take practice. Whether you're getting used to an upper denture, a lower denture, or both, they won't work perfectly right away. You might notice movement or rocking when you eat and even a lisp or other speech impediment when you're talking.

Practice speaking when you're alone. You can read aloud from a book or sing to the radio. When eating, try placing food on both sides of your mouth so that they're taking the same amount of force - this prevents excessive pressure on one side, so they don't rock and becoming loose. The more you practice, the easier it will be to keep your dentures in place.

Use denture adhesive

Most people who have dentures need to use adhesive for denture retention, especially with the lower arch. You can use a paste or strips, whichever you prefer. It is important to remove all of the adhesive each night before you soak your dentures.

Get denture relined

Over time, the bone that supports your denture will remodel. The body knows there are no remaining teeth to support, so the bone starts to resorb. That causes the denture to not fit as snug, so you will need to have your denture relined occasionally. This is common within the first six months of having your denture made, especially if you recently had your teeth extracted. You should ask your local denture lab about denture relining to help it sit tighter on the bone.

Consider implants solutions

If too much bone has been lost, sometimes a lower removable denture just will not stay in place, regardless of how many relines you've had or how much adhesive you use. In cases like that, the only option is to add dental implants that will snap your denture in place. You may be able to retrofit your existing regular denture to your new implants, but sometimes a new one must be made.

FAQ

What do bottom dentures look like?

A mandibular denture is a u-shaped appliance that consists of fake teeth and a denture base of acrylic material that looks similar to your natural gum tissue.

Are bottom dentures hard to wear?

Lower dentures can be hard to wear, but some denture wearers have an easier time than others. It depends on how much bone loss you have had and how long you've practiced wearing them. Implant dentures are easier to wear than conventional dentures.

How should lower dentures look like?

A lower denture should look like a u-shaped piece that extends slightly beyond the last tooth in on either side of the arch.