You’re not imagining it — and it’s not that your dentures have changed (though they do wear). The main reason dentures stop fitting over time is that your mouth has changed around them.
The Science: Bone Resorption
When natural teeth are present, the roots stimulate the jawbone every time you bite and chew. This stimulation tells the body to keep producing new bone cells, maintaining the density and height of the jaw.
Once teeth are lost and dentures take their place, that stimulation stops. The jawbone gradually resorbs — shrinks — in a process that continues throughout your life. The gum tissue that sits on top of the bone changes shape accordingly.
Your dentures, however, remain the same shape they were when they were made. Over time, the gap between the denture base and your gums increases — which is why they start to move.
How Quickly Does This Happen?
Bone resorption is most rapid in the first year after tooth loss, then slows but continues throughout life. Most patients notice their dentures becoming looser after 3–5 years, though this varies considerably between individuals.
What Can You Do About It?
Reline — the most common solution for a denture that has lost fit due to bone resorption. New material is added to the fitting surface of your existing denture so it matches the new shape of your gums. If the teeth are still in good condition, relining is significantly cheaper than replacement.
New dentures — if the denture is old, worn or has been relined before, a new denture is often a better long-term investment.
Implant-retained dentures — the only solution that also slows bone resorption, because the implants provide the stimulation the jawbone needs.
If your dentures are moving more than they used to, contact Cotswold Denture Clinic for a free assessment. We’re based in Poulton, near Cirencester — book online or call 01793 540128.
Yes. Loose dentures can cause sore spots and ulcers, make eating difficult leading to poor nutrition, and can accelerate bone loss. They also affect speech and confidence. It’s worth getting them assessed sooner rather than later.
A reline restores the fit of your existing denture and is a good solution if the teeth are still in reasonable condition. New dentures are better when the existing ones are heavily worn, old, or have already been relined previously.
Yes — dental implants significantly reduce the rate of bone resorption by providing stimulation to the jawbone, similar to natural tooth roots. This is one of the main long-term advantages of implant-retained dentures.
