The correct bite for dentures refers to the ideal vertical and horizontal relationship between the upper and lower dentures when they come together. This optimal positioning allows the wearer to chew, speak, and function properly. Establishing the correct bite requires carefully taking impressions and measurements to ensure the dentures fit well.
What is the correct bite for dentures? This crucial factor impacts comfort and effectiveness. An unbalanced bite can impede speech or make chewing difficult. Getting the bite right means dentures feel natural.
Crafting functional, comfortable dentures necessitates precision when capturing the vertical and horizontal overlap of the upper and lower teeth. Multiple factors are considered to establish an accurate bite that facilitates natural chewing and speaking. Minor adjustments may further optimize denture performance. Determining the optimal bite relationship is both an art and science.
What Do Dentures Bite On?
Dentures bite and rest on the gums and underlying jawbone (alveolar ridge) in the mouth. Unlike natural teeth, dentures do not have a periodontal ligament anchoring them to the bone.
So the stability and retention of dentures relies on getting a good fit to the gums and bone. Over time, the bone resorbs (shrinks) which can change the fit of dentures, requiring adjustments or relining. What is the correct bite for dentures?
Denture Bite Created
The dentist takes impressions of the gums and makes models to design the dentures. The models are mounted on an articulator which mimics the opening and closing of the jaws to set the vertical dimension and test the bite. The models are tried in the patient’s mouth to ensure a proper fit. Multiple adjustments are usually needed before the final denture delivery for optimal comfort and function.
Denture Bite Alignment Important
Good denture bite alignment distributes the biting forces evenly to avoid pressure sores on the gums. It allows proper contact between upper and lower teeth for chewing efficiency. It also maintains facial support and profile. Incorrect bite alignment can lead to loose dentures, discomfort, speech issues, and facial changes over time.
Causes Incorrect Denture Bites
Causes include bone resorption under the denture bearing areas which changes the fit, accumulation of food debris under dentures, accidental dropping and bending of dentures, inadequate adjustments by the dentist, and normal wear over time. Patients should have regular dental visits to check the fit and realign the bite as needed for lifelong denture success.
Ensuring Proper Denture Bite And Alignment
Proper denture bite and alignment is critical for comfort and function. The dentist evaluates occlusion using clinical techniques like the “chew test” to diagnose problems. Adjustments are made chairside to establish balanced contacts between upper and lower dentures.
Anatomical guides like ridges and muscles determine position. Lab procedures like reline and rebase also optimize fit if bone resorption occurs over time.
Anatomical Structures Guide Denture Bite
The residual alveolar ridges and muscles like buccinators, orbicularis oris, tongue, and cheeks guide denture position and retention. As gums and bone resorb over time, relining provides updated anatomical shaping. The lab uses impressions and models to craft accurate contours matching current oral anatomy.
Vertical Dimension Of Occlusion Set For Dentures
Vertical dimension is set by evaluating physiologic rest position of jaws, phonetic requirements, and esthetics. The lab mounts models on adjustable articulators to simulate motion. Occlusal rims allow tweaking VDO intraorally before processing.
What Impact Does Ridge Resorption Have On Denture Bite?
As the ridges resorb over the years, dentures lose retention and stability. This alters the occlusion significantly, causing discomfort and altered chewing function. Relining provides updated contours, but extreme resorption requires rebasing or remake.
When Should Denture Bite Be Evaluated And Adjusted?
During insertion appointments, the dentist does a “chew test” to assess denture occlusion. Adjustments are done to establish balanced contacts in centric and eccentric excursions. Follow-ups monitor comfort and fit. If loosening, instability or discomfort occurs later, another bite evaluation and adjustment is indicated.
Signs Of Improper Denture Biting And Misalignment
An improper denture bite that does not correctly fit the shape of the gums can cause pain, discomfort, and irritation in the form of gum inflammation, sores, and soft tissue irritation. It can also eventually lead to accelerated bone loss under the dentures over time.
Pain Can An Improper Denture Bite Cause
An improper denture bite puts excess pressure on the gums which can cause generalized pain and discomfort in the gums. It can also lead to painful ulcerations, inflammation, redness and swelling of the gum tissues. The uneven pressures can even allow infections like thrush to take hold leading to further pain.
How Can Speech Be Impacted By Incorrect Denture Bite?
An improper denture bite that does not stabilize the dentures well can lead to issues like slurred speech, lisping, and excessive salivation as the lips, tongue and cheeks struggle to keep the dentures in place during speech.
Chewing Issues Arise From Poor Denture Bite
5 short issues that can arise from a poor denture bite:
- Dentures become loose while chewing, making chewing difficult and inefficient.
- Food can become trapped under poorly fitting dentures, causing pain and irritation.
- An uneven bite force can lead to gum inflammation, sores, and irritation.
- Without adequate chewing force, digestion can be negatively impacted. Food may not be broken down properly.
- An improper bite that allows dentures to rub can accelerate bone loss under the gums over time, making refitting dentures very difficult.
Can An Improper Bite Accelerate Bone Loss Under Dentures?
Yes, an improper denture bite that causes excess pressure and rubbing on the gums over time can accelerate the bone loss under the gums leading to shrinking ridges. This makes refitting the dentures properly very difficult.
Procedures For Adjusting Denture Bite
The procedure for adjusting denture bite, also called occlusal adjustment, involves reshaping the teeth of the denture so they fit properly against the opposing teeth or gums.
This is done incrementally over multiple appointments to achieve a comfortable and functional bite. The dentist maps out a treatment plan and makes small adjustments to the denture teeth by removing small amounts of acrylic or porcelain.
What Measurements Guide Denture Bite Adjustment?
Measurements that can guide denture bite adjustment include evaluating the points of contact between upper and lower denture teeth, assessing the vertical dimension or space between the jaws, and examining the centric relation which is how the jaws fit together when biting. X-rays and models of the patient’s mouth may also be used.
What Materials Are Used To Adjust Denture Bite?
Common materials used to adjust denture bite include acrylic trimming burs, abrasive stones, selective grinders, articulating paper, and disclosing wax. These materials help remove small amounts of acrylic or porcelain from the denture teeth to achieve proper alignment.
Is Anesthetic Needed For Denture Bite Adjustment?
Anesthetic is usually not required for denture bite adjustment procedures. Since the denture is an appliance, anesthetizing the gums and soft tissues is not necessary. Patients may feel some vibration or pressure during the procedure but it is generally not painful.
How Long Does It Take To Adjust A Denture Bite?
Adjusting a denture bite often takes place over multiple 15-30 minute appointments. More complex cases with extensive realignment may take an hour or more per visit. Getting the ideal fit and bite registration requires incrementally removing material and allowing tissues to adapt before further adjustment.
Maintaining A Correct Denture Bite
It is recommended that denture wearers have the fit and bite of their dentures checked by their denturist or dentist once a year.
This allows any issues with bone resorption or changes in the gums and oral tissues to be addressed in a timely manner through denture adjustments, relines or rebases as needed to maintain comfort and function.
Proper oral hygiene is also essential, including daily gentle brushing and soaking overnight to keep dentures clean.
How Often Should Denture Bite Be Checked?
Denture bite should be evaluated by a dental professional about once a year to check for any changes in fit or bite alignment. Annual checks allow early detection of issues so dentures can be adjusted, relined or rebased as needed to maintain comfort and chewing ability.
What Oral Care Protects Proper Denture Bite?
Proper oral care helps maintain denture bite by keeping the gums and oral tissues healthy. Recommended care includes daily gentle brushing and overnight soaking to remove food debris and plaque. Annual dental visits also allow early adjustment for any changes in bite from bone resorption or tissue changes over time.
When Should Dentures Be Relined To Maintain Bite?
Dentures should be relined when the fit gets loose. This happens when the gums and bone shrink over time. A loose fit causes chewing problems and can hurt the gums.
Relining makes the dentures grip better. It makes them fit the new shape of the gums and ridges. This gives back good chewing ability.
Dentures should be checked each year and relined as needed. Many dentists recommend relining about every 5-10 years. More frequent relining may be needed if bone loss is faster.
| When | Why |
| Loose fit | Gums/bone shrink |
| Chewing problems | Dentures move during chewing |
| Gum pain | Rubbing from loose dentures |
| Every year | Check fit at annual exams |
| 5-10 years | Typical recommendation for relining |
| Faster bone loss | May need more frequent relines |
What Follow-Up Is Needed After Denture Bite Adjustment?
After a denture bite adjustment, follow-up is needed to ensure proper realignment and comfort. Post-adjustment sore spots should be checked after 24-48 hours of wear, with additional small refinements made as needed over the first weeks of wear until optimal fit and function are achieved.
Frequently Asked Question
What is balanced occlusion for dentures?
Balanced occlusion refers to even contact between upper and lower dentures in centric and eccentric movements.
Should dentures touch when smiling?
Dentures generally should not touch when smiling or make contact in eccentric movements to avoid dislodging.
Do dentures need an overjet?
A slight overjet allows the lower denture teeth to clear the upper teeth during chewing and prevents trauma.
How do you know if dentures need adjusting?
Signs dentures need adjustment include looseness, clicking, sore spots, difficulty chewing, or uneven contact.
Why is it hard to eat with new dentures?
New dentures take time to adjust to as you develop strength and coordination for proper chewing function.
Conclusion
The correct bite for dentures means upper and lower teeth fit well together. The upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower. The points of the upper back teeth should fit into grooves of the lower molars. This allows even contact and pressure across all teeth when biting and chewing.
Dentures require a correct bite so they function properly when eating. This involves carefully recording and adjusting the bite registration during the denture making process.
The lab technician and denturist work together to ensure the final dentures have good occlusion. This provides stability, comfort and ability to chew and swallow food safely. Achieving this ideal denture bite takes precision and experience.
