I’ve worn dentures since 2010. They were a nightmare since the day I got them. First I didn’t like the way they looked. They looked like plastic pegs. Also the way the dentures fit was driving me crazy. They were too big for my mouth and it was hard to keep them in. I paid so much money for them and had so many return trips to the dental center for them that I decided to tough it out. Last year I had enough of my dentures, so I started looking into new ones that look natural and fit well. I found a cosmetic dentist who also does implants. The dentures are beautiful. I had no problem with the implants healing correctly. The problem is that the dentures don’t fit right on the implants. The feeling is hard to describe, but it is very uncomfortable. It takes a lot of effort to snap them on and off the implants. Even my dentist has a hard time with it. My dentist calls it an adjustment period, but it’s been 5 months and I think by now I should feel comfortable with them. Why don’t my dentures fit on my implants? – Lyle
Lyle – Your implants and your dentures need to be examined to determine what is causing the poor fit. There are several possible causes.
Reasons Dentures Might Not Fit on Your Implants
- The wrong attachments are used – It’s possible that the attachments used don’t match the snaps on the denture base. The attachments can be replaced.
- The alignment of the dental implants or abutments – The dental implants or the abutments for snapping on the denture might be incorrectly positioned. Your denture needs to be adjusted to accommodate the angle, or it might need to be completely replaced.
- The dentures – If the impression of your mouth wasn’t taken correctly, your dentures won’t correctly fit the implants. The snaps on the denture base might be in the wrong position. Depending on how long you’ve had your dentures they can be relined, or they might need to be replaced.
Get Help Quickly
It’s important to get the issue resolved. If dentures aren’t correctly secured to implants, it can result in damage to your dentures, the implants, or your oral tissue.
We suggest that you get a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. Although your cosmetic dentist has receiving training in implantology, prosthodontists receive two years of post-graduate training in tooth replacement and restoration. Look for the following credentials:
- A board-certified prosthodontist
- Membership in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Membership in the Academy of Osseointegration
A skilled prosthodontist can evaluate the cause of the problem and make the adjustments needed to give your dentures a comfortable fit.
This post is sponsored by Naperville prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
