How To Tell If Your Dentures Are Too Big: A Pros Guide

Dentures are an essential tool. They look like natural teeth and help maintain proper oral function. New dentures typically have an adjustment period, but eventually, your denture prosthesis should be almost unnoticeable.

However, ill-fitting dentures that are too large can continually cause significant discomfort. Large dentures can result from a bad original fit, damage to the denture, or natural wear over time. Too big dentures create issues with basic functions like speaking and eating.

In this guide, we’ll explore the signs that indicate your partial dentures might be too big and provide actionable insights for patients.

Signs Your Dentures Might Be Too Large

Your dentures will never feel exactly like your natural teeth; however, they should get pretty close. Keep in mind that your denture fit will change as you wear and use the prosthetic, and this is perfectly normal.

Are you worried that your denture may have finally gotten too big or that recent damage to your dentures may have altered the fit? Here are the main signs that your denture size has changed and it’s time to visit a professional:

Discomfort: If your dentures constantly feel uncomfortable or cause pain, especially after wearing them for a short time, it could be a sign that they are too large.

Difficulty Speaking or Eating: Do you notice food particles slipping in between your denture and your mouth more than usual? Do you struggle to chew foods with your dentures that once were easy to eat? Oversized dentures can interfere with your ability to speak clearly and chew food properly.

Loss of Suction: Many dentures require suction to function well. A loss of suction occurs because the denture no longer maintains a tight seal with your hard palate. Air infiltrates this slight space, breaking the suction and causing the denture to move during talking, laughing, or eating, even with denture adhesives.

Sore Spots: If you notice redness or sore spots on your gums after wearing your dentures, it may indicate that they are rubbing against your mouth. This means the denture doesn’t fit properly, whether too loose or small. The rubbing will continue, becoming more painful until you receive a denture relining.

Gagging Sensation: Feeling a gagging sensation while wearing dentures can also be a sign of their improper fit, possibly indicating that they are too big for your mouth. Some gagging as you adjust to wearing dentures is normal. Continuous gagging may be a sign of a problem with the denture itself.

These issues not only affect your comfort but also have a negative impact on your oral health, leading to potential gum irritation and other complications.

Self-Assessment Techniques

Any of the previously mentioned situations are a sign that your dentures don’t fit anymore. You can also perform a simple self-assessment to determine once and for all that your dentures are too big.

Visual Inspection

Look in the mirror and check if your dentures appear disproportionately large compared to your facial features. Do your dentures seem to jut out or sit strangely in your mouth? If your dentures look different from how they appeared when you first got them, then it’s time for an adjustment.

Comfort Test

Pay attention to how your dentures feel when you wear them. Do they fit snugly without causing discomfort or slipping out of place, or do they move about your mouth?

Functionality Test

Try speaking and eating with your dentures. Are you experiencing any continuing difficulties that could be attributed to their size?

Tips for Improving Denture Fit

There are some tips to improve the fit of too-large dentures. None of these tips are a permanent solution, but they can provide some temporary relief.

Eating with dentures requires more thought and caution. Avoid biting into hard or sticky foods that can put excessive pressure on your dentures. Opt for softer foods and cut them into smaller pieces for easier chewing. You’ll need to practice using your tongue to both hold your denture in place and chew simultaneously.

The first few weeks of eating with your new dentures may be frustrating, but keep at it! It’s just a matter of time before you’re comfortable again. If you’re still experiencing significant movement of the denture after some time, you need to visit a professional.

Keep your dentures clean and free from debris that could affect their fit. Removing dirt or stuck food is an easy way to fix dentures quickly. Periodic visits to your dentist for adjustments and maintenance checks will also help maintain a better fit.

If these above tips aren’t cutting it, then emergency denture adhesives can help provide temporary relief. However, it’s crucial to address the root cause of the problem promptly and not rely on a denture adhesive permanently.

Since clasps secure partial dentures, improving the retention of clasps can enhance the fit of partial dentures and contribute to better oral health. However, you should never adjust the clasps on your own. This could result in:

• damage to your mouth
• ruined dentures
• a temporary solution at best

Denture professionals can make dentures fit better without pain or denture damage. Temporary tips are fine when you’re in a pinch or on the go, but keeping dentures fitting properly permanently requires a denturist.

Emergency Repair and Reline Services at Eurodenture

At Eurodenture Dental Center, we understand the importance of comfortable and well-fitted dentures. That’s why we offer emergency repair and reline services to address issues such as oversized dentures. Our repair services involve fixing any damages or defects in your dentures promptly, ensuring they function optimally. Our reline services help adjust the fit of your dentures to enhance comfort and functionality.

Tired of your denture slipping on you? Talk to your denturist about dental implants and other denture solutions.

Visit Eurodenture to learn more about our denture services and how we can help you achieve a comfortable and confident smile.