But poor fit is hard on your dentures, too, and it can lead to damage and premature failure of your dentures.
A Common Denture Problem and Its Causes
Although dentures are designed to be long-lasting, they are actually subject to failure on a regular basis. In fact, some dentures have been reported to fracture more than two-thirds of the time. In fact, one specific type of fracture, midline fractures, is such a common problem that it may account for nearly 30% of all repair work performed in dental laboratories.
You might have been told to use caution when handling dentures because dropping them could lead to fractures. Although this is true, it isn’t the main cause of fractures. The main cause of fractures is poor fit.
We’ve talked before about bone loss associated with dentures. As you lose bone from the alveolar ridge, which used to support your teeth, you upper denture comes to rest more directly on the upper palate, which often has a bony protrusion at the midline. This means that the denture becomes balanced on this protrusion like a seesaw.. As you bite down, the denture is forced to rock back and forth, or is pinned down on both sides while the middle remains elevated. This puts stress on the denture at the fulcrum, the balance point. Over time, this stress causes the denture to break.
The Solution to the Problem
The solution to this denture problem is of course better fit. Better fitting dentures like FOY® Dentures reduce the rate of absorption of bone, which means you will have more time that the denture is supported by this ridge and less time when it’s balanced on your palate.
It’s also important to get your denture relined as necessary. Even with great-fitting dentures, you will have some bone loss. When you notice your dentures are beginning to rock back and forth, you need to see your dentist about getting the denture refit so it won’t rock anymore.
If you want to learn more about how FOY® Dentures can provide you with better fit and better quality of life, please contact a local FOY® Dentures dentist today.