Adjusting to new dentures can be a challenge because the feel of these prosthetics is different from your natural teeth. However, once you get used to them, it should be a more enjoyable experience. If your dentures are new, expect a few weeks to adjust.
Getting dentures for the first time can be exciting, as a new set of teeth can restore much of the lost functionality of a person's original teeth. Those who wear dentures can find assistance with adjusting to new dentures at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Call us at (858) 748-2101 for advice about adjusting to new dentures and modifying them for comfort.
Tips for adjusting to new dentures
While dentures improve the form and function of a person's smile, they feel and act differently than natural teeth. These differences can entail a learning curve as people must learn how to care for their dentures and get used to smiling, eating, speaking, and drinking while wearing dentures. It is important for people to continue wearing their dentures to help their mouth adjust. It is common for people to feel that their dentures are too loose or big at first. However, the tongue and mouth muscles will soon adjust and help keep the dentures in place.
Speaking is one of the most noticeable adjustments patients must make when adjusting to dentures. Patients may experience some difficulty speaking with them because of the changes in the way the mouth muscles move. We recommend that people practice reading out loud in front of a mirror during those first few weeks. Patients should also make sure they have the right denture adhesive and start by speaking slowly to get used to conversing with dentures.
“While dentures improve the form and function of a person’s smile, they feel and act differently than natural teeth.”
Denture hygiene routine
Another crucial aspect of adjusting to new dentures is a consistent and effective dental hygiene routine. Proper denture care is essential to maintaining the health of the gums and mouth. Dentures should be brushed and rinsed every day to remove food and plaque. It is also vital to soak dentures overnight since dentures need to remain moist to maintain their shape.
People should avoid using abrasive cleaning materials such as harsh or whitening toothpaste, hot water, and products that contain bleach. It is also essential to schedule regular dental check-ups. These appointments allow us to ensure that the dentures fit properly and prevent slippage and discomfort.
“Another crucial aspect of adjusting to new dentures is a consistent and effective dental hygiene routine.”
What to expect in the first 30 days
The first 30 days of wearing new dentures will be an adjustment period. For instance, learning to speak and eat while wearing dentures can be challenging. Patients may experience an increase in salivation when they start wearing these prostheses. This is normal in the first couple of weeks and should decrease as the mouth adjusts. Patients who had tooth extractions before getting dentures may experience some soreness as the mouth adapts to the protheses.
This soreness is normal in the first four weeks; however, if the pain persists and it feels as if the dentures do not fit well, the patient should talk to a dentist. One main tip is to use the recommended amount of denture adhesive or cream. During an appointment, we can go over the possible products and recommend the most effective solution for your needs. If the denture still feels as if it does not fit, do not use more cream to make it fit. Please contact us instead.
“The first 30 days of wearing new dentures will be an adjustment period.”
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People with new dentures may also need to adjust their eating practices. We recommend starting with soft foods since chewing becomes more challenging when wearing dentures for the first time. People will have to learn how to chew without popping their dentures out of place, biting their tongues, or scraping their gums.
Once people are ready to move on to tougher foods, it is best to cut the food into small, bite-sized pieces that the back teeth can chew easily. Even once people get used to chewing, they should not chew with the front teeth since it can cause dentures to become unstuck in the back. It is also best to avoid sticky foods, hard items, or tough cuts of meat that may cause dentures to come loose or even damage them.
“People with new dentures may also need to adjust their eating practices.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. How should people adjust to their new dentures?
Q. How should people take care of their new dentures?
Q. How should new denture wearers change their eating practices?
Q. What can one expect with new dentures?
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Frequently asked questions
When you are adjusting to new dentures, you may experience discomfort when wearing them. If you see sores on your gums or tongue, the dentures may not fit correctly. Your dentist can adjust your dentures if necessary.
Use an oral topical gel or cream made to relieve pain. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. Take your dentures out at night and for extended periods during the day.
When your mouth is adjusting to new dentures, there is a foreign object in your mouth. This makes your salivary glands work harder. After two weeks of wearing dentures, the saliva should decrease to more normal levels.
You should make a yearly appointment with your dentist to check your dentures. This can verify fit and make sure they stay comfortable. This annual visit may include an exam to check for oral health issues, such as cancer.
Yes, you can wear your dentures at night. However, the American College of Prosthodontists recommends removing dentures while sleeping to give the gums a chance to rest from the pressure of the dentures. You should always take your dentures out every 24 hours to clean them.
Dental terminology
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.