5 Signs It’s Time to Realign Your Dentures

More than 40 million people in the United States depend on dentures to help them boast a confident smile and functional bite. But, like any dental appliance, dentures require maintenance to ensure a proper fit. 

At Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington, we tell our patients that dentures can shift or become loose over time. The result is often discomfort and oral health issues, like gum irritation, infections, and difficulty chewing. 

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to realign your dentures, here are five signs to look out for.

1. Your dentures feel loose

Dentures function correctly when they fit snugly. If your dentures feel loose or slip out of place while speaking or eating, it’s a clear sign they need an adjustment. Changes in your gum and jaw structure over time can affect how well your dentures fit, making realignment necessary.

2. Difficulty chewing food

If you find you’re having a harder time chewing food recently, your dentures may not be sitting correctly on your gums. This can make eating uncomfortable and even lead to digestive problems if food isn’t properly broken down. A realignment can restore the stability needed for efficient chewing.

3. Sore spots or gum irritation

When your dentures are misaligned, they can create pressure points on your gums, leading to soreness, redness, and even ulcers. If you notice persistent irritation, it’s a sign your dentures aren’t distributing pressure evenly and require realignment to prevent further discomfort and damage.

4. Changes in speech clarity

Dentures affect your ability to pronounce words properly. If you’re slurring your speech, have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, or notice increased saliva production, your dentures may have shifted out of position. A professional realignment at Advanced Care Dentistry can help restore clear and confident speech.

5. Jaw pain or headaches

Poorly fitting dentures can strain your jaw muscles, leading to discomfort, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. If you’re experiencing unexplained jaw pain, it’s worth checking whether your dentures cause it.

Make an appointment for a denture check

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Schedule an appointment at Advanced Care Dentistry to assess whether a denture realignment or replacement is necessary.

Keeping your dentures well-maintained ensures they remain comfortable and functional for years to come. If you suspect it’s time for an adjustment, contact our office at 425-483-2442 today to schedule your appointment, or use this website to book online.