Troubleshooting Upper and Lower Dentures: Common Problems and Solutions

We see these denture issues on almost a daily basis.  As we’ve mentioned before, the making of well working dentures is fast becoming a lost art.  Hopefully this visual guide can help you consult with your denture provider to find the source of your denture problems and get them resolved.

Upper and lower denture sitting in tray

Common Upper Denture Issues

We have tried to explain each issue in layman's terms for ease of discussion with your denture provider.

Pinching And Soreness Above And In Front Of Denture

Front “V” was cut incorrectly. Depth of “V” will vary person to person.

upper denture with v cut incorrectly

No Suction-Denture Falls Out

Sides in the rear should be flowing up (towards the roof of the mouth), not down.

upper denture, sides cut wrong, no suction

Denture Is Always Loose

If upper denture is too short in the back, suction for the denture can not be created. Denture won’t stay in place.

upper denture from top, back is cut wrong, always loose

Common Upper And Lower Denture Issues

Sore Mouth/Trouble Eating And Chewing

Bite was taken incorrectly. Upper or lower needs to be corrected or possibly a whole new set of dentures. (Problem is exaggerated in photo).

upper and lower denture with bite off. Will not work properly

Common Lower Denture Issues

Lower Denture Is Loose

This is an incredibly common problem.  Impression was taken incorrectly.  The impression is the blue print to the denture.  If the impression in incorrect, the denture will be too. Impression didn’t duplicate anatomy. Ask for border-molded clinical reline.

Tips For Relines
Poorly made lower denture because of bad impression

Lower Denture Is Loose #2

No sublingual area to support denture. The sublingual area is what holds the denture in place. It can be easily missed if impression is not taken correctly. Ask for border-molded clinical reline.

lower denture from back showing short sublingual area

Loose Lower/Denture Jumps Around

Impression taken incorrectly. Impression tray may have been short. Ask for border-molded clinical reline. Denture on left has correct retromolar pads (area that curves up behind last molar) and sublingual area. Denture on right is made incorrectly with flat retromolar area and short in the sublingual area.

lower denture short in the sublingual area and one with extended sublingual area

Common Statements You May Hear

"YOU HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT MOUTH TO WORK WITH"

FIND ANOTHER PROVIDER

Not an excuse for a trained denture provider.

"IT IS THE LABORATORY'S FAULT"

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IMPRESSION INADEQUATE/ BITE WRONG

Who took the impressions? If it wasn't the dentist seek a new provider.

"YOU JUST HAVE TO USE ADESSIVE"

IMPRESSION WAS INCORRECT

Sublingual area was not properly established in the impression (lower denture).

Could Your Dentures Need a Reline?

Over time, changes in your gums and jawbone can affect how your dentures fit. If your upper or lower dentures have become loose or uncomfortable, a professional denture reline may help improve their fit.

Learn more about denture relines, when they’re needed, and how they can improve denture comfort and stability.

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