I am almost in tears. My denture teeth are off-center and look weird. I am 66 and lead an active life, but I need dentures. Genetically, I have bad teeth despite taking good care of them. I received my dentures in February of this year. After many conversations with my dentist, we agreed on the best option for my dentures. Quality teeth, the look, the color, we went through what I thought was every possible discussion and several try-ins to ensure that I got exactly what I wanted. When I tried on the denture, I noticed that the upper front teeth were off-center. No problem. We sent them back. That happened twice. The third time is not the charm because the teeth are still off-center. My jaws hurt, maybe from chewing or subconsciously trying to correct how the denture feels. What is my dentist missing? Thank you. Ngozi
Ngozi
Thank you for contacting 5 Star Dental Group regarding your denture. Dr. Tostado or Dr. Karina Acuña would need to examine your denture to determine why your teeth are off-center, but we will review possible causes.
Why Are Your Denture Teeth Off-Center?
Factors that may cause denture teeth to look weird or off-center may include:
- Faulty impressions or measurements of your mouth
- Denture fabrication
- Misplaced denture teeth
- Denture quality
Can a Dentist Correct Off-Center Denture Teeth?
A misaligned bite can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort
A skilled prosthodontist can correct off-center dental teeth. Before requesting a final denture from a lab, a prosthodontist would evaluate the following while you are wearing the try-in denture:
- How the denture teeth look
- Lip fullness
- Vertical dimension (your face length between your upper and lower jaw when your upper and lower teeth meet)
- Your face shape
- Your speech
We recommend getting a second opinion from a prosthodontist. Maybe your dentist’s measurements or the laboratory’s process affected your denture fit. You can schedule a consultation with one or two prosthodontists (tooth replacement specialists) to find one you are comfortable with. A prosthodontist will explain whether they can modify your denture or if you need a new one. It is essential to seek a resolution because the misalignment can contribute to TMJ disorder and increase jaw discomfort.
San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.