My Implant Dentures Messed Up My Bite

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My implant dentures are too big and messed up my bite. My dentist tried to adjust my bite four times, but it’s not working. The denture doesn’t fit well. Now, my mouth is burning and irritated, and I have hives on my inner lips and gums.  Could I be having an allergic reaction, too? Thanks. Miriam from New Orleans

Miriam,

It is possible to have an allergic reaction to your acrylic denture base. Titanium allergies are rare, but it is possible to react to dental implants. You would need testing to confirm whether you are allergic to denture materials. However, stressful dental visits are sometimes associated with burning mouth syndrome.

Your denture has disrupted your bite.  A dentist must correct it to prevent symptoms of jaw muscle spasms, headaches, and other symptoms of TMJ disorder. We recommend consulting a dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite. The dentist can ensure upper and lower denture teeth meet correctly when you close your mouth or chew.

Denture above dental implants ready to be screwed on

Denture and implant position can affect your bite

Find a dentist with training from at least one of these dental education centers:

  • Spear Education in Arizona
  • The Dawson Academy in Florida
  • The L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida
  • The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in Nevada

A disrupted bite can cause ongoing stress, leading to hives and oral irritation. Speak to the second-opinion dentist about your symptoms. The dentist will examine your mouth and denture and review your X-rays to determine whether the position of your denture, implants, or both are causing bite problems. Other factors can cause discomfort, and the dentist can identify them.

Schedule consultations with two dentists to discuss and compare their evaluations and treatment recommendations.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

Can I Ask My Dentist for a Refund on My Overdenture?

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Can I get a refund on a new overdenture that my dentist was three weeks late on and didn’t fit on my mini-implants? I was supposed to get the new denture by March 18 before my vacation in early April, but when my dentist’s partner tried to put it on, it would not fit. The denture needed reworking for the attachments to fit on the implants. I had to leave for vacation wearing my temporary denture, and I am glad it held up. When I returned, the dental office said the dentist was ordering attachment gaskets, but they had yet to arrive. I am getting nervous about what to expect. Can I request a refund, or would it waste time? – Thank you. Jehu

Jehu,

Your question has legal and dental implications.

Your Dentist’s Legal Obligations

Your agreement with the dentist was to make an overdenture by an agreed date. Your dentist was late with the overdenture, and when it arrived, it did not fit, and you could not wear it. And you still do not have the denture. Your dentist broke the agreement, so you deserve a refund. If your dentist is hesitant, you can do the following:

  • Mention that you will leave a negative online review or that you can write a positive review about his integrity and the positive side of your treatment if you get a refund
  • Complain to the dental board
  • Complain to your insurance company if applicable
  • Consult with a consumer rights attorney. Your case value is not enough to justify a lawsuit.

Your Dentist’s Mistakes

Snap-on denture diagram

Consult with a skilled implant dentist about your denture

Your dentist was supposed to have your final denture by March 18, but it did not fit. Now the denture is over two months late. More than offering to order new gaskets is required for your inconvenience. Your dentist seems overwhelmed by your case but will not admit it. Mini-implants are uncommon; ask how many mini-implant cases your dentist has handled.

We recommend getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist and sending a copy of your dental records before your appointment. After the second-opinion dentist assesses your overdenture, present the findings to your dentist and ask for a refund.

We wish you a smooth resolution.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

My Implant Denture Makes My Lips Look Bulky

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Should permanent dentures (all on four) be placed with the anterior teeth 2 to 3 mm from the gum line, or should they follow the gum line? Is this a standard procedure or the dentist’s choice? I have bulky lips from a denture that protrudes. I’m doing some research and figuring out what to do next and whether I can trust my dentist. – Thanks, Demetrius from NJ

Demetrius,

Before we answer your question, we want to define the gumline. As shown in the picture to the right, the gumline is the edge where the gum meets a tooth. Consider some examples:

  • If a tooth is extracted, there is no longer a gumline.
  • If a tooth is replaced with a dental implant, the gumline is the edge that meets the dental crown.
  • If all your teeth are missing and you receive a complete denture, the gumline is the edge of the pink, gum-colored acrylic that meets the false tooth.

We defined the gumline because it is impossible to place a dental implant at that location.

You’re probably referring to where a dentist places teeth near the jawbone ridge beneath the denture.

Complete removable denture

When you receive a complete removable denture, your dentist should place the denture’s front lower teeth directly over the bony ridge. If the denture is too far forward, it will tilt back when you bite anything with your front teeth.

All-on-4 dental implants

Denture above dental implants ready to be screwed on

All-on-4 implant denture

An implant-retained denture, such as All-on-4, is secure and won’t tilt when you bite. The placement of denture teeth 2-3 millimeters from the ridge, as you described, is close enough within range for a removable denture or an implant denture.

Aesthetics and facial appearance are essential for natural-looking results. But measurements alone should not determine where a dentist places your denture. Advanced cosmetic dentists make a wax model of the denture for you to try in before the lab completes the acrylic version. The wax model lets your dentist evaluate how the implant denture affects your facial features, lip, speech, and the overall function of your mouth.

Adjusting your denture to soften the appearance of your lips

If you already have your implant denture, your dentist can remove it and reset the teeth. If the problem persists and your dentist can’t resolve it, you can schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist for recommendations. Your dentist may charge a fee to reset the teeth, but if you’ve already expressed satisfaction, they might do it without cost.

 

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge Fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.