Why Is My New Denture Still Too Loose?

Posted by AllSmiles

Why is my new denture still too loose? I had my upper teeth removed in 2017 and have been wearing a denture since then.  I needed a new denture, so I chose a dentist who assured me he could make a well-fitting denture.

He took impressions, a wax bite, and then did two wax try-ins. At the second try-in, I mentioned that the denture felt loose, but he said the try-in was only for checking the teeth. Once I got my finished denture, it had no suction and would not stay in place. The dentist told me to give my gums time to adjust and come back in a week. When I returned, nothing had changed. I told him I liked the denture when it stayed in—but that wasn’t happening often.

The dentist thought my bite might be the problem, so he adjusted the denture several times by grinding it down and checking again. He then applied Fixodent, explained how to use it at home, and scheduled a follow-up visit in a week. In the process, he also grounded down three molars on each side of the denture until very little was left of those denture teeth.

Now my dentist says a reline might help. I’m unsure why he thinks a reline would help a  loose denture when the original impression seems to have been the issue. The denture was made in June, and I worry that a reline is being suggested as a quick fix rather than addressing the real problem. Since I paid $1,550, I expected a denture that fits well.

Could my dentist have made a mistake with the impression? Or is there another explanation? This isn’t what I thought I was agreeing to when I started treatment. My next appointment is in two weeks, and I want to have my responses ready when my dentist recommends treatment that won’t improve my  loose denture. Thanks. Blake B. from GA

Blake,

Your dentist may have skipped a few standard steps, but this isn’t unusual. Cost competition in the denture market causes some dentists to streamline the process. Most of the time, the results are fine. In your case, the denture seems functional, but the fit isn’t quite right; it is too loose. That can usually be corrected with a reline, which effectively re-does the impression.

What’s the Difference Between One-Step and Two-Step Impressions?

The most precise results come from a two-step impression, though some dentists go even further. Some dentists achieve a better denture fit with a preliminary impression using alginate, creating a model of the jaw, and having a custom tray made for the patient. Some dentists use moldable stock trays, which can also be effective.

Two-step process includes:

• Step 1: Border molding. A heavy material defines the edges of the denture, creating suction for an upper denture by pressing slightly into the tissue.
• Step 2: Wash impression. A lighter material fills in the details of the tissue surface for precision.

Shortcut method: When combined into one step, a medium-body material is used. This usually yields a satisfactory denture, but it saves the dentist time and reduces costs.

How Will a Reline Improve Your Denture?

During a reline, your dentist will likely use your existing denture as a custom tray. This often gives a more accurate impression than the original attempt. If your dentist hasn’t mentioned it, ask for a two-step impression to prevent another loose denture.

Do Gums Adjust to Dentures?

The idea that gums simply adjust to a new denture isn’t accurate. The wax try-in, however, is not meant to fit tightly. If it did, it could damage the model and compromise the result. Its purpose is to confirm tooth positioning and make sure you’re satisfied with how the teeth look.