My Denture Is Loose: Why Does It Get Loose, What Should Be Done?

My Denture is Moving: Why Does It Loosen and What Should Be Done?

“My denture is moving, it shifts while eating, it feels like it will come out when I speak” is a common complaint, especially among individuals using removable dentures. However, the denture starting to move is not solely due to its aging. Many reasons can affect denture stability, such as changes occurring in the jawbone over time, alterations in gum and supporting tissues, the denture’s undersurface no longer fitting snugly in the mouth, wear and tear on clasps or precision attachments, loosening of implant-supported attachment components, and disruption of the bite balance.

Short answer: If a denture that was previously comfortable and stable starts to move later, its fit with the oral tissues may have changed. In such a case, instead of constantly trying to fix the denture with adhesive, the denture and the supporting oral tissues should be evaluated by a dentist. While a minor adjustment may suffice in some cases, some patients may require denture relining, replacement of retentive components, repair, or a new denture.

The dental prostheses applied at Melsadent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic can be prepared as fixed, removable, complete, partial, or with different retention systems, depending on the patient’s number of missing teeth, the condition of existing teeth, jawbone, and treatment plan. Therefore, the answer to the question “why is the prosthesis moving?” also varies depending on the type of prosthesis used.

Is It Normal for a Dental Prosthesis to Move?

It is not expected for a newly made prosthesis, which is properly adapted to the oral tissues, to constantly move during daily use. Especially, a noticeable lifting of the prosthesis while chewing food, shifting its position while speaking, moving up and down unilaterally, or the appearance of a new looseness that wasn’t there before, should be evaluated.

However, it is important to remember that removable prostheses are not fixed to the bone like natural teeth. Complete dentures are retained in the mouth by utilizing the gums, jawbone, saliva film, muscle balance, and the surface adaptation of the prosthesis. Therefore, a fully removable prosthesis is not expected to behave in the same way as a fixed implant-supported restoration.

The main important point is that the prosthesis starts to move significantly more than its previous use. This change is often an indication of a new condition in the prosthesis or supporting tissues that needs to be investigated.

Why Does a Dental Prosthesis Become Loose?

There isn’t a single reason for prosthesis looseness. The type of prosthesis, its age, the patient’s jaw structure, the condition of any remaining natural teeth, bone level, oral hygiene, and chewing forces should be evaluated together.

The most common reasons are:

• Changes in jawbone volume over time
• Changes in the shape of gums and soft tissues
• Loss of adaptation of the denture base to the mouth
• Loosening or deformation of partial denture clasps
• Wear of precision attachment parts
• Loss of retention in implant-supported denture attachments
• Loosening of the implant-supported denture screw or attachment component
• Fracture or cracking of the denture
• Wear of artificial denture teeth
• Change in occlusion and chewing balance
• Long-term use of the denture without regular checks
• Development of disease in supporting natural teeth or gums

1. Changes in Jawbone Over Time Can Loosen the Denture

After teeth are extracted, the alveolar bone that previously surrounded them does not remain the same. In edentulous jaw areas, varying degrees of bone changes and resorption may occur over time. This process can vary significantly from person to person.

When the denture is first prepared, its internal surface is shaped according to the existing gum and jaw structure. However, over the years, while the tissues under the denture change, the shape of the denture base remains the same. As a result, gaps that did not exist before may form between the denture and the gum.

As this gap increases, the denture’s vacuum seal, surface adaptation, and mechanical stability may decrease. The patient may notice the denture lifting on one side or moving back and forth, especially when chewing hard foods.

Scientific studies examining alveolar ridge changes indicate that anatomical changes can occur over time in edentulous jaws carrying dentures. You can access a systematic review on the subject via PubMed.

2. What Does “Denture Becoming Loose Underneath” Mean?

The condition that patients describe as ‘my denture has become loose underneath’ often refers to a decrease in the fit between the denture base and the oral tissues. While the denture initially contacts the tissues along a wide surface when first made, contact may decrease in some areas over time.

In such a situation, the denture:

• may tilt to the right or left during chewing,
• may move while speaking,
• may trap food underneath,
• may cause sores on the gums,
• may lead to a decrease in chewing ability,
• may cause the patient to constantly feel the need to use denture adhesive.

Not every loose denture needs to be completely replaced. If the denture’s structural condition, bite, and the condition of its teeth are suitable, re-adapting the tissue-bearing surface of the denture can be considered in some cases.

3. What is Denture Relining and Can It Fix a Loose Denture?

Denture relining is the process of readapting the inner surface of an existing removable denture that contacts the oral tissues, to conform to the current jaw and gum structure.

The suitability of the relining procedure is not determined solely by whether the denture is moving. The age of the denture, the presence of any fractures or cracks, the correctness of the bite, the amount of wear on the artificial teeth, and the overall design of the denture are also evaluated.

In appropriate cases, relining can reduce the gap between the denture and tissues, thereby increasing denture stability and comfort of use. However, instead of continually relining a severely worn, ill-fitting, or structurally inadequate denture, planning for a new denture may be more appropriate.

Scientific studies examining soft and hard denture lining materials report that relining methods can contribute to patient comfort with appropriate patient selection. One of the systematic reviews on this topic is the Journal of Prosthodontic Research study.

4. Will the Denture Move If the Clasps of the Partial Denture Loosen?

Yes. In removable partial dentures supported by natural teeth, a significant portion of retention is provided by clasps, rests, and the denture’s adaptation to the tissues.

During long-term use, deformation may occur in the metal clasps of the denture, or changes may occur in the teeth supporting it. In this case, the patient may notice that the denture comes out more easily than before or moves while eating.

It is not appropriate for the patient to try to tighten the clasp themselves with pliers or similar tools. Uncontrolled bending of the metal can lead to clasp breakage, loss of denture fit, or excessive force being applied to the abutment tooth.

Among the technical maintenance issues reported in scientific reviews on removable partial dentures are loss of retention, need for repair in denture components, denture tooth or base problems, and the need for relining. The relevant systematic review can be accessed via PubMed.

5. If the Abutment Tooth is Loose, the Denture Can Also Move

Some removable partial dentures are supported by remaining natural teeth. If periodontal disease, bone loss, decay, or another problem develops in the natural teeth to which the denture attaches, the support system may weaken.

In this situation, merely tightening the prosthesis may not be sufficient. First, the health of the supporting teeth and surrounding tissues should be evaluated.

If accompanied by bleeding gums, gum recession, bad breath, or loosening of natural teeth, an evaluation for gum treatment and periodontology may also be necessary.

6. Why Does an Implant-Supported Removable Denture Loosen?

Implant-supported removable dentures have a different retention system compared to classic total dentures. Underneath the denture, there may be locator, ball, bar, or different attachment systems connected to the implants.

These systems contain small mechanical parts that ensure the denture attaches to the implants with a certain resistance. As a result of daily insertion, removal, and chewing forces, especially plastic, nylon, or similar retentive parts can wear down over time.

The patient usually notices this situation as follows:

• The denture does not “click” into place as strongly as before.
• The denture comes out more easily.
• One side lifts up while eating.
• The denture moves while speaking.
• Despite having implants under the denture, retention gradually decreases.

This situation does not always mean that the implant itself has loosened. Most of the time, the denture attachment system on top of the implant may need maintenance or part replacement.

Systematic studies evaluating maintenance requirements in implant-supported overdenture systems show that replacing retentive matrices or attachment parts is among the common maintenance procedures. A comprehensive scientific review on this topic can be accessed via PubMed.

For detailed information about implant-supported treatment options, you can review Melsadent’s implant treatment page.

Does the Movement of an Implant-Supported Prosthesis Mean the Implant Itself is Loose?

No. The movement of the prosthesis and the movement of the implant within the bone are not the same situation.

Loosening can occur in several different areas in implant-supported prostheses:

• The retentive component within the prosthesis might be worn.
• The locator or similar attachment system might require maintenance.
• The fit of the denture base with the tissues might have changed.
• There might be loosening in the prosthesis screw or the prosthetic connection.
• Rarely, there might be a biological or mechanical problem related to the implant itself.

This distinction cannot be reliably made without a clinical examination. Especially if the implant itself is thought to be moving, the situation should not be delayed.

7. What Does It Mean If a Fixed Prosthesis or Crown/Veneer is Loose?

The phrase “my prosthetic tooth is loose” is not only used for removable dentures. Patients may also describe their crowns, bridges, or implant-supported fixed restorations as prosthetic teeth.

The movement of a fixed crown or bridge is not considered normal. Possible reasons include:

• dissolution of the bonding cement,
• separation of the crown/veneer from the abutment tooth,
• a problem developing in the abutment tooth beneath the crown/veneer,
• the abutment tooth becoming mobile,
• a problem developing in the bridge abutment,
• screw loosening in an implant-supported screw-retained restoration

may be present.

If a fixed prosthesis is loose, it is not advisable to push it back into place by hand and continue using it for a long time. Food and bacteria accumulation can occur under the loose restoration, or undesirable forces can be transferred to other components of the prosthesis.

8. Wear of Prosthetic Teeth Can Create a Feeling of Looseness

In prostheses used for a long time, not only the underside of the prosthesis but also the artificial teeth can change. When chewing surfaces wear down over time, the occlusal relationship between the upper and lower jaw can change.

When occlusal forces are not evenly distributed on the base of the prosthesis, one part of the prosthesis may press downwards while another part lifts upwards. The patient may perceive this situation as “my prosthesis feels hollow underneath” or “my tooth no longer stays in my mouth.”

Therefore, when evaluating a loose prosthesis, not only the internal surface of the prosthesis but also the occlusion of the teeth and their relationship with the teeth or prostheses in the opposing jaw should be examined.

9. Prosthesis Fracture or Cracking Can Cause Looseness

Not every crack in a prosthesis may be easily noticed. Especially when a fine fracture line forms in the acrylic denture base, the prosthesis may appear solid outside the mouth but can flex under chewing forces.

In this case:

• the prosthesis may lift on one side,
• a sound may occur during chewing,
• pressure sores may develop at specific points,
• the prosthesis may move more and more.

Attempting to repair a fractured or cracked prosthesis with household adhesives is not recommended as it may impair the prosthesis’s fit in the mouth.

10. Can Weight Change Affect Prosthesis Fit?

Bone and soft tissues in the mouth can be affected by many factors over time. Significant weight changes can cause differences in the volume of soft tissues, especially around the face and mouth. However, it is not correct to attribute the significant loosening of dentures solely to weight loss.

Anatomical changes in the jaw bone, the duration of denture use, the fit of the denture base, saliva amount, muscle functions, and current oral health should be evaluated together.

Does Denture Adhesive Fix a Loose Denture?

Denture adhesives can provide additional retention in properly made complete dentures. Scientific studies also show that denture adhesives can increase retention, biting force, and chewing performance in some complete denture users. You can access the systematic review and meta-analysis published on this topic via PubMed.

However, there is an important distinction here: denture adhesive does not eliminate the fundamental problem of a poorly fitting denture.

If a denture that was previously used comfortably without adhesive starts requiring adhesive multiple times or increasingly often, it may suggest that the denture’s fit needs to be checked.

Especially if the denture comes out completely when adhesive is not used, or if the amount of adhesive required is gradually increasing, the reason for the denture’s looseness should be investigated instead of just temporarily increasing retention.

How to Tighten a Loose Denture at Home?

Making mechanical changes to dentures at home is not recommended. The following practices, in particular, should be avoided:

• Tightening clasps with pliers
• Filing the denture base
• Applying silicone or similar material inside the denture
• Gluing the broken part with strong adhesives
• Trying to tighten implant connection parts using a tool
• Gluing a fixed crown or bridge into place with household adhesive

Even if these procedures seem to temporarily solve the problem, they can change the seating position of the denture, cause injury to oral tissues, or complicate professional repair.

What Does a Dentist Do When a Denture Loosens?

The first step is to determine why the denture has become loose. For this, the denture and oral tissues are evaluated together.

During the examination, generally:

• the fit of the denture in the mouth,
• the length and adaptation of the denture borders,
• sore spots formed under the denture,
• gum and mucosal health,
• the existing structure of the jawbone,
• occlusal relationship,
• wear on artificial teeth,
• partial denture clasps,
• supporting natural teeth,
• implant and denture attachment components

can be checked.

If necessary, radiographic imaging or digital records may also be added to the evaluation. Information about the digital methods used at Melsadent can be obtained from the Digital Dentistry page.

How Is a Loose Denture Corrected?

Treatment is determined by the cause of the loosening. The same procedure is not applied to every patient.

Possible solutions may include:

• Adjustment of pressure-bearing areas of the denture
• Rebalancing the occlusion
• Denture relining procedure
• Renewal of the denture base
• Repair of broken or cracked dentures
• Professional adjustment of partial denture clasps
• Replacement of precision attachments
• Replacement of implant-supported denture retention components
• Evaluation of loose prosthetic screws
• Treatment of abutment teeth
• Renewal of existing dentures
• Evaluation of implant-supported treatment options in suitable patients

Is Denture Relining or a New Denture More Appropriate?

This decision is not made solely based on how loose the denture is.

If tissue adaptation is compromised in a relatively new, structurally sound denture with an acceptable bite and no advanced wear on the artificial teeth, relining may be considered.

In contrast, if the denture:

• has been in use for too long,
• the artificial teeth are severely worn,
• the bite has completely changed,
• breaks frequently,
• is aesthetically or functionally inadequate,
• the denture’s design is no longer suitable for the current oral structure

planning for a new denture may be more appropriate.

Therefore, it is not appropriate to decide online, solely based on the denture’s lifespan, that “relining is definitely needed” or “the denture must be replaced.”

Why Might a Lower Denture Move More Than an Upper Denture?

The surface area on the lower jaw where a complete denture rests is generally more limited compared to the upper jaw. Additionally, the movements of the tongue, cheeks, and floor of the mouth muscles can directly affect the stability of the lower denture.

While upper complete dentures can benefit from the large palatal surface, the support and retention conditions for lower dentures can be more challenging. Especially in lower jaws with advanced bone loss, the stability of removable dentures may decrease.

In such cases, the fit of conventional complete dentures can be re-evaluated, and if the patient’s bone structure and general health condition are suitable, implant-supported denture alternatives can also be considered. It should not be forgotten that regular maintenance is also required for implant-retained removable dentures.

Is Constant Food Getting Under Dentures a Sign of Looseness?

Occasional small food particles getting under dentures may not alone signify a serious problem. However, if food has recently started getting under the denture during almost every meal, when this was not previously an issue, it is possible that the tissue compatibility of the denture has changed.

Food accumulation under dentures, over time, can lead to:

• gum irritation,
• burning and sensitivity,
• bad breath,
• redness under the denture,
• and difficulty in cleaning.

These factors can significantly impact oral health.

Regular cleaning of removable dentures and oral tissues is important. A loose denture does not eliminate the need for hygiene; in some patients, it makes cleaning even more crucial. Systematic scientific evaluations examining removable denture hygiene also emphasize the importance of denture cleaning for oral health. You can access the relevant academic study here.

What to Do If There is Redness and Sores Under the Denture?

When a loose denture constantly moves during chewing, it can apply more pressure than normal to certain points. As a result, denture sores, sensitivity, or lesions may develop.

Persistent redness under the denture may not solely be related to mechanical pressure. Factors such as denture hygiene, continuous use of the denture throughout the night, and microorganism accumulation may also need to be evaluated.

If there is a non-healing sore, significant swelling, bleeding, bad odor, discharge, or pain, a dentist should evaluate the denture instead of attempting to file it yourself.

Can One Continue Eating with a Loose Denture?

Short-term use of a denture with a slight fit problem does not yield the same result in every patient. However, if the denture moves significantly, continuing to force it with hard and sticky foods can exacerbate the existing problem.

Continuously applying high force to one side of the denture can further disrupt its balance or increase the risk of the denture breaking. Additionally, constant friction of the removable denture against the gums can lead to irritation.

When significant looseness is noticed, identifying the cause is a more appropriate approach than postponing the problem for a long time.

My Denture Suddenly Became Loose: What Are the Situations That Require More Urgent Evaluation?

Slowly developing denture looseness can usually be evaluated with a planned dental check-up. However, some findings may require earlier evaluation.

If any of the following situations occur, a dental check-up should not be postponed:

• If a fixed crown or bridge suddenly starts to move
• If the implant itself is felt to be moving
• If the denture is broken
• If a denture part or implant attachment has detached
• If there is severe pain
• If there is significant swelling or signs of inflammation
• If bleeding or a bad taste accompanies it
• If there is a non-healing sore under the denture
• If one of the natural supporting teeth is loose
• If the occlusion of the prosthesis suddenly changed

How Can Denture Loosening Be Prevented?

It is not entirely possible to prevent all changes in jaw tissues. However, regular check-ups of the prosthesis can help detect problems before they progress.

When using dentures long-term, the following points can be considered:

• Regularly cleaning the prosthesis and oral tissues
• Not continuing to use the prosthesis if a crack is noticed
• Not changing hooks or connectors at home
• Having it checked if sores constantly form under the prosthesis
• Getting an evaluation if there is a significant change in prosthesis retention
• Not neglecting recommended maintenance check-ups for implant-supported prostheses
• Not neglecting the care of natural supporting teeth and gums
• Not seeing denture adhesive as a permanent solution for a poorly fitting prosthesis

My Denture Is Loose: What Prosthesis Options Can Be Considered at Melsadent?

The solution for a loose prosthesis is not always to make a new one. First, the reason why the existing prosthesis is moving should be determined.

At Melsadent, according to the patient’s dental and jaw condition, removable and fixed dental prostheses, full dentures, partial dentures, and precision attachment prosthesis options can be evaluated.

In some cases where sufficient stability cannot be achieved with conventional removable dentures and the patient is suitable for implants, implant-supported prosthesis options may come into question.

However, implant placement is not automatically the right option for everyone. A personalized treatment plan should be created by evaluating the quantity and quality of the jaw bone, general health status, oral hygiene, smoking habits, existing diseases, and the patient’s expectations.

Why Is It Not Right to Delay Addressing Denture Looseness?

The patient may get used to a loose denture over time and start to consider its movement normal. However, the continuation of the problem can reduce chewing comfort and create constant pressure points on the oral tissues.

Furthermore, the cause of the problem may not solely be the gap under the denture. Different conditions such as disease in the supporting tooth, fracture, implant connection issues, or structural damage to the denture may be present.

Therefore, especially if a denture that previously fit well starts to move in the new period, it should not be considered as ‘the denture is old, it’s normal’.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my denture moving?
Among the most common reasons are changes in jaw bone and gum tissues over time, loss of tissue adaptation of the denture, loosening of clasps or precision attachments, wear of denture teeth, and the need for maintenance of implant-supported connection components.

Can a loose denture be tightened again?
Some dentures can be made more stable again through adjustments, relining, or replacement of retention parts. However, if the denture is severely worn or structurally inadequate, it may need to be replaced.

How effective is denture relining?
If the general structure of the denture is sound and the main problem is the loss of adaptation of the denture base to the tissues, relining can be beneficial. Not every loose denture is suitable for relining.

Why does a denture loosen after a few years?
After tooth extractions, the jawbone and surrounding tissues can change over time. Since the denture remains in the same form, an incompatibility can develop between the tissue and the denture.

My lower denture moves more than my upper denture, is this normal?
In lower complete dentures, stability can be more challenging due to the more limited support area and movements of the tongue and floor of the mouth. However, significant or progressively increasing movement should still be evaluated.

Is using denture adhesive harmful?
When used according to product instructions in appropriate dentures, denture adhesives can provide additional retention. However, they do not eliminate the reason an ill-fitting denture loosens and should not be used as a substitute for professional evaluation.

Is it normal for me to use denture adhesive every day?
Some patients may use denture adhesive for additional security and retention. However, if adhesive that was not previously needed now becomes continuously and excessively necessary, it may indicate that the denture’s fit needs to be checked.

My implant-supported denture has loosened, has my implant failed?
Not necessarily. In removable implant-supported dentures, retaining components can wear out over time. The attachments, the denture base, and the implants themselves should be evaluated separately.

Can the retaining components of implant-supported dentures be replaced?
Depending on the system used, some retentive components can be replaced during maintenance. Scientific studies also report that denture maintenance may be necessary from time to time in implant overdenture systems.

My fixed crown is loose, can I re-cement it?
Household adhesive should not be used. Movement of a fixed crown or bridge can be caused by reasons such as cement loss, abutment tooth problems, or connection problems in an implant-supported restoration.

Can I tighten the clasp of my denture myself?
It is not recommended. An uncontrolled bending of the clasp can cause it to break or apply excessive force to the abutment tooth. Adjustments should be made by a dentist.

Is it normal for food to get under the denture?
A small amount of food entry may occur. However, an increasing accumulation of food that was not present before might suggest a deterioration in the tissue adaptation of the denture.

If the denture is causing sore spots, can I file it myself?
No. It is necessary to determine which point of the denture is causing pressure. Filing at home can disrupt the balance and fit of the denture.

When should a denture be completely replaced?
There is no fixed time limit for this. The decision is made by evaluating the structural condition of the denture, its tissue adaptation, occlusion, wear on the teeth, and the patient’s oral structure together.

Can a loose denture cause sores in the mouth?
Yes. Constant movement of the denture during chewing can increase friction and pressure in certain areas, contributing to irritation or the formation of sores.

Can denture loosening be a symptom of bone resorption?
Alveolar bone changes can occur over time in edentulous jaw areas, and this can affect the fit of the denture. However, denture loosening is not solely due to bone changes; a clinical evaluation is necessary.

A Loose Denture Should Not Be Permanently Glued; The Cause Must Be Found

Denture looseness is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that can result from various problems. One of the most common reasons for removable dentures is the decreased adaptation between the denture and oral tissues that change over time. In partial dentures, clasps and abutment teeth, and in implant-supported dentures, retentive components and prosthetic connections should be evaluated separately.

While a minor adjustment or relining may suffice for some patients, others might require the replacement of retentive components, denture repair, or the preparation of an entirely new denture.

Especially if a previously problem-free denture has started to move recently, if persistent sores develop under the denture, if an abutment tooth is loose, or if an implant-supported structure has loosened, determining the cause rather than merely concealing the problem with adhesive would be a more appropriate approach.

At Melsadent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, suitable denture treatment can be planned for the patient by evaluating the current denture’s condition, abutment teeth, gum tissues, implants, and jaw structure together. For denture options, you can visit the Dentures page, for implant-supported options the Implant Treatment page, and for information on the health of supporting tissues the Gum Disease Treatment page.

This content has been prepared for general informational purposes. A dental examination is required for personal diagnosis and treatment planning.