Are Your Denture Teeth Too Long or Short?
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Today is the big day. You are about to receive your dentures. You have already gone through the other steps leading to this point. You had your remaining natural teeth removed, your mouth was measured, impressions were taken, and you had a fitting of the wax-up of your dentures. It all leads to today.
But something doesn’t seem right.
Your dentures fit fine, but the teeth attached to the plates are not the right size. Your smile looks awkward and a little bit strange.
Has this happened to you? Or have you heard of this before? Don’t worry, your dentist can fix this for you.
How To Fix Denture Teeth That Are The Wrong Length
There are ways to address this problem. It is also fairly common. Fortunately, there are ways your dentist can remedy the situation. Here is a closer look at the most common problems with denture teeth that are too big or small.
Denture Teeth Too Long
How It Happens
Dentists who have difficulty judging the correct height of denture teeth may end up making them too long, in an effort to prevent the teeth from being too small. The correct height may be difficult to determine because your natural teeth have worn down, and the dentist attempts to accommodate for this.
The Problems They Cause
When your dentures contain teeth that are too long, you may develop soreness in your jaws. It makes sense, as your jaws are not designed to be held open to such a wide height. Plus, you may bite your teeth together more often considering they are now closer to the opposing jaw. If this occurs frequently, the regular striking together of the teeth can damage the dentures. It may even cause gum irritation. Another issue with denture teeth that are too long is that they may create a clicking sound when you speak or eat.
How They Can Be Fixed
When dentures are too big for your mouth, your dentist can trim the teeth. After that is completed, your dentist should confirm that your bite is correct before you leave the dental office. Your dentist may opt to replace the dentures with a completely new set. Or, if the dental plate happens to be too big, they may need to be relined. Your dentist can do that as you wait to correct when dentures feel too big.
Denture Teeth Too Short
How It Happens
It is quite common for dentures to be too short. It occurs when a dentist attempts to replicate the dimensions of your teeth based on the information they have about the natural teeth you once had. Unfortunately, your natural teeth would have likely been worn down giving the dentist outdated references.
The Problems They Cause
When dentures are too short, they can cause issues with functionality. This can include cheek biting. When dentures are too short, your cheeks fold in more than they should which puts them in the way of your teeth when you talk or eat. Another problem that can develop when cheeks fold in is that they can be the cause of saliva escaping from your mouth. It could lead to an infection called angular cheilitis. One more problem with denture teeth that are too small is that your mouth muscles will work harder to force your jaws to close further than they have been. This can lead to soreness in the muscles. Finally, when denture teeth are too small, you may have problems chewing and some foods will be near impossible to eat properly.
How They Can Be Fixed
A process known as dental bonding can remedy the situation when denture teeth are too small. The procedure involves the use of tooth-colored composite resin. It gets applied to the surface of the small denture teeth and once it hardens, the problem should be fixed.
FAQs
What are the most natural-looking dentures?
Dentures are available in two different textures. Smooth and stipple. Smooth dentures can sometimes look fake as they have an almost too-perfect appearance that comes from their glossy finish. Stipple dentures have a more realistic look because they have a matte finish. Be sure to consult with your dentist to determine which texture is best for the look you are trying to achieve.
How do you get natural-looking dentures?
When your dentist starts the process of constructing your dentures, they will attempt to match the color of your natural teeth as closely as possible. This is achieved through the use of shading. The correct shade of color can make the difference between natural-looking dentures and false teeth that look fake. Be sure to confirm that your dentist has chosen the correct shade for your new dentures.
How do I make sure my dentures look natural?
Aside from ensuring that your dentist uses the correct shade for your dentures and that the size of the teeth is right to prevent denture teeth that look too big or too small, you can keep your dentures looking natural by taking good care of them. One way in which dentures can lose their natural look is through the foods you eat and the things you do. Consuming products that can stain teeth like wine, coffee, or tea, will change the look of your dentures over time. Smoking will also cause staining which will dull the appearance of your false teeth.
Can you choose what your dentures will look like?
Yes, you can. When you are in your initial appointment discussing options for your dentures, this is the time to go over what type of dentures you want and how you want them to look. Dentures can be shaded to match the look of your existing natural teeth. You can also choose the texture of your false teeth. A smooth texture comes with a gloss finish whereas a stipple texture has a matte finish.
Does your face change when you get dentures?
Your face will fill out when you wear dentures. That is to say, without false teeth, your cheeks will appear sunken. Plus, with the added confidence that comes from having a perfect smile, your face will light up and you will look amazing.
What makes dentures look real?
Great care goes into the manufacturing of dentures. The coloring is important. Not only should the pink plate of the dentures match the color of the inside of your mouth and gums, but the false teeth attached to it are shaded to closely resemble the color of your natural teeth. When the matching is correct, dentures will look real.
