Introduction to Types of Dentures for Flat Gums + Essential Care

The Role of Teeth in Overall Health and Confidence

Teeth play a crucial role in physical health, facial aesthetics, and even an individual's self-confidence. Losing teeth for any reason can cause numerous problems in chewing, speaking, and appearance. For this reason, dentures or dental prosthetics have been developed as an effective solution for replacing missing teeth.

One of the major challenges in creating and fitting dentures is the condition of the patient’s gums. Individuals with flat gums, or so-called resorbed gums, often face specific issues with denture installation and maintenance. In this article, we aim to thoroughly address this topic and present various solutions and necessary care tips.

 

What Are Flat Gums and What Problems Do They Cause?

Flat gums refer to a condition in which the natural ridges of the gum (which help hold dentures in place) have disappeared. This often occurs as a result of jawbone resorption following long-term tooth loss or gum diseases.

In such cases, the gums become flat and lack sufficient alveolar ridges to support the denture, thus requiring specialized dentures for flat gums. Some of the issues caused by flat gums include:

 

Psychological and Social Impact

Did you know that more than 90% of people living with flat gum issues reported regaining the joy of smiling and eating after using dentures designed for flat gums? One of the most important, yet often overlooked, consequences of flat gums is the decline in self-confidence.

Patients constantly worry that their dentures might shift or even fall out during talking or laughing. As a result, they may avoid social gatherings and limit their interactions.

 

Loosening and Instability of Dentures

One of the main functions of gum ridges (alveolar ridges) is to provide a natural anchor for dentures. When these ridges are lost, the dentures lack a proper surface to grip onto and move easily inside the mouth. As a result:

• The denture may shift while chewing.
  
  
• Speaking becomes difficult, and unwanted noises may occur due to the denture rubbing against the gums.
  
  
• The person is forced to frequently reposition the denture with their tongue or fingers, which is quite uncomfortable.

 

Sores and Inflammation of Soft Tissue

When dentures become loose due to insufficient support, they constantly move against the gums, causing friction, scratches, and sores in the soft gum tissue. These sores can be painful and may even lead to recurring infections.

 

Reduced Chewing Efficiency

Denture instability in flat gums makes it difficult for the person to chew food properly. This issue may lead to dietary restrictions, as they must avoid hard or fibrous foods. Over time, this can result in malnutrition or digestive problems.

 

Speech Disorders

The proper pronunciation of certain sounds—especially sibilant and plosive consonants (like "s," "sh," "t," "p")—depends on the stability and proper placement of teeth in the mouth. When dentures are loose due to flat gums, individuals may struggle with articulation and may experience stuttering or voice alterations.

 

 

Improving Denture Fit for Flat Gums

With advancements in dental prosthetic science, several solutions have emerged to improve denture performance for individuals with flat gums. These solutions for using dentures on flat gums include specially designed prosthetics, the use of modern materials and technologies, and even supportive treatments.

 

Custom-Designed Full Dentures

One of the most common and basic approaches for these individuals is the fabrication of full dentures. In this method, the dentist takes a highly precise impression of the patient’s gums. Then, using specialized design techniques, efforts are made to maximize the contact surface between the prosthesis and the gum tissue.

These full dentures typically feature extended flanges—lateral extensions that fit deeper and wider into the vestibule (the space between the cheek and gum)—to improve retention.

 

Advantages

• Cost-effective: Much more affordable compared to more advanced methods like implants.
  
  
• Non-surgical: Completely non-invasive, suitable for individuals with underlying health conditions or those unable to undergo surgery.
  
  
• Adjustable and modifiable: Can be relined or remade if the shape of the gums changes over time.

 

Disadvantages

• Dependent on gum shape: In cases of completely flat gums, even with precise design, ideal retention might not be achievable.
  
  
• Requires replacement or relining: Over time, as bone resorption progresses, the denture becomes loose and must be adjusted.

 

 

Reline: Resurfacing the Underside of Dentures

Relining is one of the simplest, quickest, and most effective methods to improve the fit and adaptation of dentures. In this treatment for gum flattening, the underside of the denture—where it rests on the gums—is rebuilt using special materials (soft or hard acrylic) to fully conform to the patient’s new gum shape.

 

When Is It Used?

• When several months or years have passed since the denture was made and the gums have resorbed.
  
  
• When the patient complains of looseness or gum sores caused by improper denture pressure.
  
  
• For individuals who do not wish to have a new denture made at the moment.

 

Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdenture)

This method, now considered the "gold standard" for edentulous patients in the lower jaw and the best denture option for resorbed gums, involves placing a few dental implants (usually 2 to 4) into the jawbone. The denture is then either snapped onto or attached to these implants.

This ensures that the prosthesis stays firmly in place and does not shift during speaking or eating.

 

Advantages

• Maximum stability: Even in very flat gums, the denture remains immobile.
  
  
• Prevention of further bone loss: Since forces are transferred to the implants, jawbone resorption is significantly reduced.
  
  
• Comfort and boosted confidence: The patient can smile and speak freely without fear of the denture falling out.
  
  

 

Disadvantages

• Requires surgery: Implant placement must be performed first.
  
  
• High cost: Significantly more expensive than other options.
  
  
• Requires sufficient bone density: In cases of severe bone loss, bone grafting may be necessary.
  
  

 

 

Using Denture Adhesives

One of the simple and temporary solutions for individuals who struggle with loose dentures or cannot undergo other treatments for any reason is the use of denture adhesives. These adhesives are available in pharmacies in the form of creams, powders, or strips.

By creating a temporary bond between the denture and the gum tissue, they provide the prosthesis with a degree of stability.

 

Advantages

• Easy to use: No need to visit the dentist; can be applied at home.
  
  
• Temporary improvement in retention: Especially useful during events, parties, or important meetings, offering the patient peace of mind.
  
  
• Low cost: Significantly cheaper than other methods.
  
  

 

Disadvantages

• Temporary effect: Adhesives typically last only one day and must be reapplied regularly.
  
  
• Potential irritation or allergies: Some patients may be sensitive to the adhesive ingredients.
  
  
• Masking the underlying issue: Prolonged use of adhesives instead of addressing the root problem (such as relining or implants) merely delays proper treatment.
  
  
• Unpleasant taste and texture: Some users are dissatisfied with the taste or feel of the adhesive in their mouth.

 

 

Essential Care Tips for Individuals with Flat Gums

Having flat gums makes proper denture care even more critical. Any sore or irritation can make wearing dentures significantly more uncomfortable for the patient.

 

Maintaining Strict Oral and Denture Hygiene

Cleanliness of the mouth and dentures is the first and most important step in caring for flat gums. By following these steps, you can prevent inflammation, sores, or bad breath:

• Daily denture cleaning: Dentures should be cleaned at least once a day using a soft-bristle brush and a special denture cleanser (not regular toothpaste, which is abrasive). This prevents plaque and bacterial buildup.
  
  
• Rinsing after every meal: After each meal, rinse your mouth with plain water or a mild mouthwash to remove food particles and bacteria.
  
  
• Removing dentures at night: It is recommended to take out dentures while sleeping to allow the gums to rest and improve blood circulation in the area. Dentures should be stored in water or a special denture soaking solution to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.

 

 

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Even if there is no pain or noticeable issue, people with flat gums should visit their dentist every six months. During these appointments, the dentist will:

• Examine the health of the gums and soft tissues.
  
  
• Check the fit and positioning of the dentures and perform relining or rebasing if necessary.
  
  
• Identify early signs of sores or infections and begin proper treatment before the problem worsens.
  
  

These regular visits can prevent serious issues and significantly improve your quality of life.

 

Avoiding Improper Foods

People with flat gums who use dentures for flat gums must be more cautious in choosing their foods. It is especially important to avoid:

• Very hard or dry foods: Such as crunchy rice crust (tahdig), hard nuts, hard candies, or dry meats, which may loosen or displace the denture.
  
  
• Sticky foods: Like toffee, chewy chocolates, and halva, which can stick to the denture and dislodge it.
  
  
• Extremely hot foods: As reduced temperature sensitivity beneath the denture may lead to gum burns.
  
  

It is better to cut food into smaller pieces, chew slowly, and use both sides of the mouth for chewing.

 

Paying Attention to Sores, Inflammation, or Any Discomfort

If you notice sores, redness, swelling, or pain in the areas beneath the denture, take it seriously and see your dentist as soon as possible. Because:

• Minor sores can develop into deeper wounds and even become infected if ignored.
  
  
• Inflammation is often a sign of improper pressure or poor-fitting denture surfaces that need adjustment.
  
  

Delaying a visit can make treatment more difficult and prolonged.

 

 

Conclusion

Having flat gums presents certain challenges when using dentures, but with advances in dental science, there are now a variety of effective solutions for this issue.

Depending on the degree of gum resorption, the patient’s physical condition, financial capacity, and expectations, various methods for dentures on flat gums can be utilized—such as precision-designed prosthetics, relining, implant-supported dentures, or even special adhesives.

It is recommended that individuals consult with a prosthodontic specialist before making a decision to determine the most appropriate method for their specific case.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do dentures stay in place on flat gums?
   With proper design or the use of implants, stability can be significantly improved.
• Do dentures on flat gums cause pain?
   If they do not fit well, they may cause sores and discomfort and require adjustment.
• How often should dentures on flat gums be replaced?
   Typically every 5 to 8 years—or sooner if further gum resorption occurs.