If you’re nervous or have concerns about making the transition to dentures, you’re not alone. Millions of people every year are faced with tooth loss and begin their journey toward finding the perfect smile once again.
It’s important to understand that adjusting to new dentures takes time and patience and although many people get dental anxiety for any sort of dental procedure, we want to provide as much useful information and expectations about the denture adjustment process.
On this page
Process of Getting New Dentures
How Long Does it Take to Get Used to Dentures
Tips for Adjusting to New Dentures
Process of Getting New Dentures
The process of getting new dentures is an essential step towards restoring your smile and oral function. Just like any dental procedure, there are common steps for getting a new denture:
- Initial Consultation: Your dentist will discuss your specific needs regarding dentures, including which type will work best for you. This time also allows you to express any concerns you may have going forward.
- Impressions and Measurements: For you to have unique dentures that fit the shape of your mouth, your dentist will use a soft clay-ish material called impression paste and press it against your teeth and gums to capture the unique contours of your oral tissues and teeth. Additionally, measurements such as bite registration, jaw and gum measurements will be taken.
- Fittings: After dentures have been created, you’ll try on the dentures and ensure a proper fit. Your dentist will make any denture adjustments if needed for optimal comfort. It’s important to share any denture discomfort during these fittings.
Working closely with your dentist throughout these steps ensures that your new dentures are comfortable and functional for your needs.
How Long Does it Take to Get Used to Dentures?
There’s no exact answer because using dentures can be a learning curve. Generally, the adjustment period for new dentures can range from 1-4 weeks. Although everyone’s journey with dentures is different, here is a typical timeline of what you can expect during your denture adjustment process:
First Few Days: Since your gums and mouth are still adjusting, it’s very common to experience some discomfort, soreness, excess saliva production, and difficulty speaking or eating.
First Few Weeks: Speech may improve as you practice speaking with your dentures in place, and eating may become easier as you learn how to chew properly with dentures.
First Few Months: Over the first few months of wearing new dentures, you'll likely notice significant improvements in comfort and function as your habits and mouth begin to adapt.
Remember that your mouth and gums may continue to change over time, affecting the fit and comfort of your dentures, which makes dentures have ongoing adjustments. Periodic adjustments and relining may be necessary to ensure that your dentures continue to fit properly and function optimally.
There will be a point where you’ll feel like your dentures start to feel loose and painful, even after an adjustment or relining, which can be a sign of needing a replacement denture.
Tips for Adjusting to New Dentures
While you’re getting used to your dentures, there are some best practices and tips for the adjustment period to be less frustrating:
- Gradually Increase Wear: Begin with wearing your denture for a few hours at a time, then gradually extend the duration until you can comfortably wear them throughout the day.
- Practice Speaking Aloud: Read aloud from a book or newspaper, repeat tongue twisters, or engage in conversations with friends or family members. Speaking in front of a mirror can also help you observe your mouth movements and make necessary adjustments to improve speech.
- Use Denture Adhesive: Denture adhesive can help reduce movement and minimize the risk of denture slippage, providing you with added confidence and comfort while wearing your dentures.
- Chew Soft Foods Initially: Eating with dentures can be challenging, stick to soft or easy-to-chew foods to minimize discomfort. Make sure to avoid hard, sticky, or tough foods that may be difficult to chew with dentures.
- Chew Slowly and Use Both Sides of Your Mouth: This helps distribute pressure evenly across your dentures and reduces the risk of discomfort or uneven wear.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Clean your dentures daily using a denture brush and mild denture cleaner to remove food debris and plaque. Additionally, gently brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush or gauze to stimulate circulation and prevent irritation.
- Ask Your Dentist if You Should Wear Your Dentures at Night: Although it is recommended to take your dentures off before bed for better oral hygiene, your dentist may recommend otherwise for the adjustment period.
- Soak Your Dentures at Night: Remove your dentures at night and soak them in a denture cleaning solution to keep them clean and fresh. If your gums are sore, rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution before bed.
- Take Ibuprofen or Tylenol to help with any soreness or aches
Above all, be patient and persistent during the adjustment period. We understand that this can be a jarring life change, but over time you’ll become more confident and comfortable wearing your new dentures.
If your issues are persisting, please reach out to your dentist to continue adjusting your fit until everything feels right. You should eventually feel as if your dentures fit like a glove into your mouth.
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