Denture Adjustments

When you first receive new dentures, or dentures which have been relined, they will fit your tissues more precisely than at any other time. This is because your dentures are made using a very recent impression of your gums. Your dentures now have a fitting surface (inside of the denture) that is an exact copy of how your tissues are at this time.

Over time, however, your tissues will change as a result of natural shrinkage, bone resorption, weight loss, your use of medication, and so on. These tissue changes will either cause your denture(s) to lose stability because they have loosened, or they may cause points or areas of irritation causing cankers.

Cankers or pain often mean an adjustment to your denture is required. This is a relatively simple procedure of finding the exact location of trauma and then relieving the pressure areas. Occasionally, the denture may have to be shortened. These adjustments usually alleviate pain and discomfort, help in the process of eliminating cankers, and thus promote healing. Adjustments also assist in preventing possible infection from irritated gums.

NOTE:

Your dentures are made of a hard material and, once made, do not change. In contrast, the tissues of your mouth are very soft and change constantly, although very slowly.