Dentures can make your upper lip more pronounced because they sometimes can be large in size and bulky. When dentures make your lips protrude, it can be an indication that it’s ill-fitting. It can be due to problems related to the anchoring of denture, strength of the material used, size of the structure, retention problems, and bone loss. Along with making your lips stick out, ill-fitting dentures can cause a myriad of health problems like gum diseases, yeast infections, atrophy (wearing off) of the jaw bone, and difficulty in eating and speaking.
While wearing new dentures, it must be able to support your cheeks and lips properly. When it is the right size, your lips will look full but, it won’t stick out. The profile of your face will appear so natural and beautiful that no one will be able to make out that you’re wearing them.
When dentures are made too big, it can push them outward, and it can make your lips and cheeks stick out more than usual. Let’s look into different issues related to wearing new dentures and some solutions to tackle them.
Adaptation to new dentures
According to a study in 2015, 24 new denture wearers were assessed based on chewing, tasting, speech, and pain.
It was found that there should be a period of 3- 6 months before we can observe a reduction in pain, improvement with the fit, and adaptation to the new dentures.
Few tips to keep in mind to help you get used to new dentures
- Drink more water to help dilute the excess saliva produced.
- Do not bite down on food with the front teeth, but use your back teeth.
- Slice your food into small portions.
- Avoid crunchy, stringy, or sticky food.
- Wear your dentures all the time, even at night in the initial period. It helps your gums to adjust to it properly. Once it does, you can remove them before sleeping.
- Practice speaking and reading loudly to yourself to improve speech.
- Speak slowly.
Reasons why dentures make your lips stick out
1. Size of the structure
Low-quality dentures are usually fitted large and are much bigger than they need to be. The reason for this is the limited number of sizes.
When choosing between sizes, you have to go with the large one to make it fit over your gums.
These low-quality dentures are going to be too big. In this way, when the dentures end up becoming bulky, it makes your lips stick out abnormally.
2. Retention problems
Natural teeth grow from within the jaw with natural support in the gums. In the case of dentures, the entire structure placed in your mouth is held in place by suction only.
Dentures are often designed bigger in size than they should be. Even with custom-fitted dentures, they will be as large as possible to improve the retention of the structure within the mouth.
Denture retention depends on suction. Therefore, the larger area of the plate provides greater suction strength.
Hence it sometimes ends up becoming bulkier than intended. This bulk causes your lips to protrude.
3. Bone loss
Dentists also take into consideration bone loss and a decrease in the volume of the face with age.
They make them bigger to compensate for that, and if they may not know how to do it, it may end up being just too big. Bulkier dentures cause your lip to stick out.
4. Strength of the material
Dentures are usually made of plastic and are not as strong as your natural teeth. Therefore, they should be thicker to withstand force while you chew and to avoid breakage.
Thickness adds to the bulk and size of the dentures. If the dentures are of poor quality material, they may look unnatural and unappealing when you smile and talk.
Common problems related to ill-fitting dentures
There are common problems associated with ill-fitting dentures. Gums and tissues in the mouth shrink as we age. It can cause dentures to stop fitting you, which can cause health problems.
1. Atrophy of the jaw
The pressure of the dentures on the gum causes the jaw bone to wear off gradually. As a result, it reduces its density, and this is a health complication.
It’s vital to take corrective measures to fix it at its root.
2. Irritation of the gums
When dentures are large, it can make your lip stick out. They sometimes can get loose, and rub against your gums and lead to blisters.
3. Difficulty speaking and eating
If the denture is loose, it can cause food to get stuck beneath them or cause you to have a lisp while talking.
It gets difficult to speak normally. It also can be caused by pain and make it difficult to chew food. Poor nutritional supply can cause deficiencies.
4. Infections of the mouth
Blisters caused due to ill-fitting dentures increase the risk of infections. Along with blisters, you may get cuts and sores that can also be a site for yeast infections in the mouth and gum disease.
5. Gagging
If the denture is too big, it may cause gagging and also mild discomfort. Gagging occurs because it gets too close to the throat.
If the fit of the denture feels too big and you experience frequent gagging, see your dentist soon so that they can reline them or identify the cause and make necessary adjustments.
Solutions
Get your dentures readjusted by your dentist by putting in a lining material like silicone. Correctly fitting them will help you feel more comfortable, and they will line up on the gum line.
You may use FDA-approved denture adhesive for extra support and keep your dentures in place.
Get your dentures relined by re-layering the base based on your mouth impression, and that will make them feel more comfortable on the gum line.
FAQs
How do I know if my dentures are the right size?
Dentures come with a period of adjusting. That’s why it makes you wonder if yours is the right size. Even if it is the right size, you are bound to experience some mild discomfort and trouble with them initially.
If it feels normal after a few weeks, you have the right ones. But if irritation or pain persists, you must see your dentist again.
How do I make dentures look natural?
Dentures can look natural by using high-quality materials, ensuring a proper fit, and having a natural variation in position. Avoid mass-produced, cheap dentures that have the same size and shape.
What is the average cost of dentures?
It could cost anywhere from $1000 – $15000 per arch. A basic set of dentures costs anywhere from $600 to $1500.
The midrange is between $1500 – $3000, and the premium could be anywhere from $3500 -$15000.
What are permanent dentures?
Permanent dentures are put in place with screws or dental cement onto dental implants.
The patient cannot remove it, but only a prosthodontist can. When the dentures are no longer usable, they will require replacement.
Conclusion
Go back to your dentist if the dentures are loose and make your lips stick out. Get them adjusted if possible. Beware of the health risks associated with loose dentures. If you feel gagging, make necessary adjustments and see your dentist at the earliest to fix the problems.
Opt for natural-looking and great quality dentures over cheap ones. They will not only look great but will also help you avoid health problems associated with low quality and loose dentures. Select dentures that resemble your natural teeth or are somewhat close to them.
Fake dentures are made of cheap materials like plastic, whereas modern dentures are ceramic and look as natural as possible. It has the same shine and appearance as tooth enamel.
