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Question:
I had 32 teeth (quite painlessly) extracted five months ago, and immediate dentures put in. I certainly recognize that it will be a process to achieve proper fit and function, but since the first day that I had them, my bite is such that the front top and bottom teeth contact each other.
I have had four conditioning liners, (which bulge out over the top up to 1/3 of an inch, distorting my face significantly) and the alignment issue remains. My denturist insists that it is my fault, but the only way that they properly align is when I am lying down in her office, completely relaxing my jaw. Every time I suggest a problem with aligning them based on that procedure, I am informed of how much experience she has at doing this, which I respect.
My problem is that I am unable to speak without the front teeth clicking together, (also causing a pronounced speech impediment) and am only able to chew with the front teeth, as the back teeth do not contact. This situation leads to the top and bottom dentures popping out when I eat, thus I must always eat alone. I am told that I have to relax my jaw to rectify this - yet still use my jaw.
Am I in the right hands for this treatment and can a hard / permanent reline possibly rectify this alignment issue? ... Visitor from Saskatoon
Answer:
There is always swelling after extractions but by now that should mostly be gone.
When you bite......your teeth should come together and the top edge of the front should just come over the edges of the bottom. The back teeth should all hit at the same time.....sitting up, laying down, standing on your head or leaning on your side.
There is nothing holding your teeth in place, like implants, so they will move when you bite but they should be stable. It may be time to find another person to make your teeth or at least get an opinion.
Jeffrey Hoos, DMD FAGD
4949 North Main Street
Stratford, Connecticut 06411
(203) 378-9500
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