Why Are Lower Full Dentures Sometimes More Loose Than Upper Full Dentures?

Full dentures are a wonderful solution for patient who are missing all of the teeth in the upper or lower dental arch. They are the most economical way to repair the smile and improve functionality. However, patients who hear of full dentures often have a lot of questions. Will they look natural? Are they difficult to adjust to? How do I keep them in place? It is natural to have a lot of apprehension when choosing a method of tooth replacement, but the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group is here to help.

What are full dentures?

A full denture is an appliance that is made to replace an upper or lower dental arch. These restorations are made to look as natural as possible, and with proper impressions, will fit precisely over the ridge of the gums. Full dentures are more affordable than replacing all the teeth with dental implants or other alternatives, making them a popular choice.

Will full dentures stay in place?

There are many ways patients will keep their dentures in place. Some use natural suction which can keep the dentures on the arch. Others rely on denture adhesives, which act as a special bonding agent to keep the denture in place on the ridge of the gums. Additionally, some patients choose implant-retained dentures, which use titanium posts to hold the dentures in place.

Why are the lower dentures more loose than upper dentures?

A common complaint in denture wearers is the looseness of the lower dentures when compared to the fit and function of the upper dentures. In many situations, the lower denture has less stability than the upper denture. This occurs due to the shape of the lower ridge gum line and the movement of the denture caused by movement of the tongue. For patients who have consistent issues with maintaining the placement of their lower denture, implant-retained solutions may be examined.

Schedule a visit with the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group today

If you are interested in learning more about full dentures, we welcome you to take the time to consult with Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Saint Helens, OR. Our dental professionals can walk patients through the process of obtaining dentures and determine if these restorations are most appropriate for their unique needs. Patients in the community can call (503) 397-6144 to schedule an appointment at 1550 Saint Helens Street.