Many people assume that lower dentures should stay put thanks to gravity alone. Unfortunately, bottom dentures are often the most difficult to keep stable. If your lower denture shifts, lifts, or feels loose when you talk or eat, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.
Understanding why lower dentures are prone to movement can help you explore solutions that improve comfort, function, and confidence.
Why Lower Dentures Are More Likely to Move
Lower dentures sit on a smaller surface area than upper dentures and do not benefit from natural suction against the roof of the mouth. This alone makes them more susceptible to shifting. In addition, the tongue and muscles in the floor of the mouth are constantly moving, which can push against the denture and cause it to lift or slide.
Over time, jawbone loss can also contribute to poor fit. After tooth loss, the bone that once supported your teeth begins to shrink. As the bone changes shape, dentures that once fit well may start to feel loose or unstable.
Common Problems That Affect Denture Fit
Several factors can make lower dentures difficult to keep in place. These include:
- Natural jawbone shrinkage over time
- Changes in gum tissue and oral anatomy
- Normal wear and tear on the denture
- Poor initial fit or outdated impressions
- Excessive movement from speaking and chewing
When these issues combine, even well-made dentures may begin to feel unreliable.
Denture Relines as a Simple Solution
One of the most common ways to improve the fit of a loose lower denture is a denture reline. A reline reshapes the underside of the denture so it better conforms to your current gum and bone structure.
Relines can restore comfort and stability without the need for a brand-new denture. For many patients, this simple adjustment can significantly reduce movement and irritation, especially if bone changes have occurred gradually.
When Adhesives Aren’t Enough
Some denture wearers rely on adhesives to help keep their lower denture in place. While adhesives can provide temporary improvement, they are not a long-term solution for an ill-fitting denture.
If you find yourself using increasing amounts of adhesive or still experiencing movement despite adhesives, it may be time to consider other options. Persistent looseness can lead to sore spots, difficulty chewing, and frustration during daily activities.
Implant Dentures for Added Stability
For patients seeking a more secure solution, implant-supported dentures may be an option. These dentures are anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone, helping prevent slipping and shifting.
Implant dentures offer improved stability, better chewing ability, and increased confidence when speaking or eating. They also help slow further bone loss by providing stimulation to the jawbone, which traditional dentures cannot do.
Choosing the Right Solution for You
The best solution for a loose lower denture depends on your oral health, bone structure, and personal goals. A dentist can evaluate the fit of your denture, assess bone levels, and recommend whether a reline, adjustment, or implant-supported option may be appropriate.
Lower denture problems are common, but they don’t have to be permanent.
About the Practice
True Care Dentistry in Mesquite provides comprehensive denture solutions designed to improve comfort, fit, and confidence for patients experiencing loose or unstable dentures. Dr. Rana offers personalized evaluations, denture relines, and implant-supported denture options to help patients regain stability and function.
Call us at (469) 399-7288 or request an appointment online.