Atrophy of bone means it is shrinking in size. When atrophy occurs in the jaw bone, it may be due in part to pressure from the dentures. This is the most serious of common denture problems because it cannot be reversed.

The problems caused by dentures may be due to a combination of factors. These causes often include improperly made dentures, poor denture hygiene, abnormal clenching and grinding of the teeth, incorrect chewing, over used denture, wearing dentures at night, lack of follow-up with a denturist and some medical disorders.