What should I do to get fit?

Grandma's dentures don't fit right and she can't get in to see a doctor, what can we do?

• I KNOW THIS IS A REALLY LONG QUESTION BUT PLEASE READ: My grandma got dentures about two years ago. At the time she was getting fitted for the dentures, her gums were still swollen from having some teeth removed. Consequently, once the swelling went away the dentures didn't fit right. All this time she has complained about not being able to chew her food right because even with the denture glue gunk the dentures move around to much, making it uncomfortable to chew. For the past few months she's complained a lot more (and she's not a complainer usually) saying it hurts to even try to chew with them on, so her diet is pretty restricted right now. For example, whatever she can blend and make into a juice or drink she does, and she only eats solid foods like meat that she can halfway chew with her gums- no dentures. She went to see the doctor that fit her and gave her the dentures but the doctor simply said that there was nothing she could do unless she wants to get new ones altogether which we can't really afford right now. My gma's plan right now is to have them redone in Mexico cause its cheaper there, but the way things are going down there that won't happen anytime soon. And she's going to get Medicare next month but she's skeptical about how much coverage she'll get and whether it'll be enough. Until then, we're just trying to ease the pain and discomfort so she can eat more. Are there like any home remedy type of things we can do, like little tricks to make them fit better until she can get new ones? And any suggestions on the best denture glues to use. Please answer with any advice (except to see a doctor), me and my grandma would really appreciate it :)

• Answer:

  Unfortunately, there are no home remedies to make dentures fit better, besides getting some denture adhesive from the pharmacy, which it looks like you tried already. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to get the dentures relined, which is less costly than getting new ones. This involves custom making a new base for the dentures (ie the part that touches the roof of the mouth) but leaves the acrylic teeth alone. I'm surprised your dentist didn't tell you about this, and you might consider seeing a different one in the future.