Should I switch to a soft denture?

I hate the hard denture in the roof of my mouth. It really irritates me and makes me feel like my mouth is suffocating. It’s hard and uncomfortable. I’ve been wearing dentures for 2 years and I know it takes some getting used to but I am wondering if switching to a soft denture will make it easier for me to adjust. Also if I switch to a soft denture would I have to start from scratch with new impressions and everything? Thanks. Tillie

Tillie – Your description of what really irritates you about your upper denture is that it’s hard in the roof of your mouth. An upper denture has a palate that is hard.

Why Do Upper Dentures Have a Hard Palate?

A firm palate has several purposes.

  • It gives your denture shape.
  • It helps the denture fit well.
  • It helps provide the suction needed to keep your denture in place.

What Is a Soft Denture?

Soft dentures refer to the lining of the denture, not to its palate. The lining is placed the arch of the denture and rests against your jawbone ridge. It helps reduce the pressure, friction, and irritation of the denture base on your bony ridge. A soft denture won’t address your concerns about a hard palate against the roof of your mouth.

Alternatives to Increase the Comfort of Your Denture

Implant-supported dentures don’t have a palate, so your denture will be help in place by fixtures that are surgically fixed in your jawbone. You will no longer need a palate in your denture to provide suction and stability. As few as two implants can be used, but the more you have, the more stable your denture will be.

Implant dentures are more expensive than removable ones, but they have several advantages:

  • Your dentures will be stable.
  • It will be easier to eat and speak with them.
  • They are much more comfortable and feel more like natural teeth.
  • They stimulate jawbone and help prevent bone shrinkage and facial collapse.

Find an experienced implant dentist in your area. He or she will do an examination to let you know if you are a candidate for dental implants. If you are, it is possible that your current denture can be modified for implants. Otherwise, you’ll get information on your options. It’s worth it to schedule a consultation and learn about your options.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.