Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and the surrounding soft and hard tissues. These custom-made appliances restore the appearance and function of a complete dental arch, supporting the wearer’s ability to chew and speak. Consistent use is generally required for the device to perform its function and maintain oral health. When individuals neglect to wear their dentures as prescribed, the oral environment undergoes several significant negative changes.
Accelerated Changes to Jawbone and Gum Tissue
The most significant physical consequence of not wearing dentures is the acceleration of jawbone deterioration, known as alveolar bone resorption. This bone loss begins immediately after tooth extraction because the jawbone loses the natural mechanical stimulation provided by tooth roots during chewing. Without this pressure, the body signals that the bone tissue is no longer needed, leading to the reabsorption of bone minerals and causing the jawbone to shrink.
Dentures distribute chewing forces across the jawbone and overlying gum tissue, which helps slow the rate of resorption compared to having no prosthetic. When the denture is not worn, this protective, load-bearing function is absent, speeding up bone loss. After tooth loss, the bone ridge can lose nearly 40% of its height and 60% of its width within the first year, and this atrophy continues progressively without prosthetic support.
The gum tissue also suffers when the prosthetic is absent or worn inconsistently. Gums are meant to be covered and supported by the denture plate during chewing. Chewing without the appliance forces direct, uneven pressure onto the unprotected gum line, which causes irritation and injury. This lack of proper support can lead to thinning gum tissue or the development of painful sore spots, making the eventual wearing of any dental appliance uncomfortable.
Impairment of Speech and Chewing Function
The absence of dentures severely compromises two fundamental oral activities: clear speech and effective mastication. Dentures fill the space created by missing teeth, allowing the tongue and lips to interact correctly to form specific sounds. Without the appliance, the mouth lacks the necessary hard surfaces and spatial boundaries, leading to difficulties with articulation.
Many people experience a lisp, whistling, or general slurring because they cannot properly pronounce sibilant sounds like ‘S’ and ‘F’. This alteration in communication can affect social confidence and interaction. The impact on chewing efficiency is equally detrimental, as the mouth is forced to crush food between the bare gums and the opposing arch.
The reduction in chewing ability is often severe, making it difficult to break down fibrous, tough, or hard foods. Individuals frequently restrict their diets, avoiding nutrient-dense foods like certain fruits, vegetables, and meats. This limited diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies, impacting overall health and digestion, since larger food particles are harder for the stomach to process.
Altered Facial Appearance and Denture Refitting Needs
The progressive loss of jawbone volume has a direct impact on the lower third of the face. The alveolar bone provides foundational support for the facial muscles and skin; as the bone shrinks, this support is withdrawn, leading to a sunken or prematurely aged appearance. Deep wrinkles and folds often develop around the mouth, and the cheeks may appear to sag.
A noticeable change involves the chin and nose, as the distance between them decreases, making the chin appear more prominent. Practically, the continual change in the underlying bone structure means that the original dentures will no longer fit the mouth’s contour. The appliance, custom-made for the initial shape, becomes loose and unstable as the jaw changes.
This poor fit causes the denture to shift, leading to chronic discomfort, painful sore spots, and a loss of retention. A loose denture requires either a relining procedure to adjust the base to the new gum contour or, in cases of extensive bone loss, a complete replacement. Ignoring consistent denture use creates a cycle of accelerating bone loss and the need for costly, ongoing prosthetic maintenance.