Getting Used to Dentures

Taking out dentures for the first time can feel a little awkward—and that’s completely normal. Go slowly and be gentle with yourself.

Start by rinsing or gargling with warm water. This can help loosen the seal between your dentures and your gums. If you’re wearing denture adhesive, this step is especially helpful.

To remove your lower denture, place your thumb and forefinger on either side and gently rock it back and forth until it loosens. Once it lifts free, you can remove it carefully. Then repeat the process with your upper denture, using the same gentle rocking motion rather than pulling straight down.

If you feel resistance, don’t force it. A little patience goes a long way, and it will get easier with practice. If you’re a new denture wearer and need extra guidance or support during this adjustment period, options like our New Denture Wearer Package are designed to help make the transition more comfortable and manageable.

If you are suffering from tooth pain or discomfort, book an appointment and your dentist will likely take an X-ray of your mouth. After reviewing the X-ray, the dentist will consult with you regarding a recommended course of treatment.

You may require tooth extractions before the placement of a new denture. For the sake of appearance following extractions, most people want a temporary denture, called an Immediate Denture. Your immediate denture not only helps you feel more comfortable with your appearance, but also helps in the healing process of your gums.

We encourage you to wear your new denture immediately after extractions to control bleeding and minimize discomfort as the swelling subsides. When you have had extractions, remember that the healing process takes time—often at least six months, and sometimes more. Each person’s physical health and oral conditions are unique, and the healing process will vary from patient to patient.

During healing, it is common for the gum tissue to change and shrink. These changes often result in space between the gum tissue and the denture. The immediate denture may not fit as well as when it was first inserted. You may need a reline and/or a new denture following the shrinkage of your gums..

Book an appointment now to get all the information you need directly from your dentist.

After your dentures are first fitted, it’s best to start with soft foods while your mouth adjusts. Foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, eggs, and soups are easier to manage and help reduce discomfort during those early days.

For many people, a gradual return to more solid foods happens after about two weeks, once soreness has eased and you feel more confident chewing. Taking small bites, cutting food into smaller pieces, and chewing slowly can make the transition smoother and help prevent your dentures from shifting.

Everyone adjusts at a different pace. Your dentist will give you personalized guidance on which foods to avoid and when it’s safe to reintroduce firmer options, so you can return to eating comfortably and confidently without rushing the process.

It’s normal for eating and speaking to feel a little different at first. Your mouth needs time to adjust to the new fit and feel of dentures, and that adjustment period looks different for everyone.

In the beginning, you may notice minor changes in speech or feel less confident when eating certain foods. This usually improves as your muscles adapt and you learn how your dentures move and function. Starting with softer foods, taking smaller bites, and practicing speaking can all help speed up the adjustment.

Well-fitted dentures are designed to stay in place during normal talking and eating. If your dentures feel loose, shift, or cause discomfort, that’s something your dentist can address with adjustments or other solutions to improve stability and comfort.

If you’re concerned about fit or long-term stability, there are also options that offer added support, including implant-retained solutions. Just book an appointment and your dentist can help you understand what will work best for your needs and lifestyle, and make sure your dentures help you feel comfortable, confident, and secure.