We understand that losing natural teeth can be a challenging and life-changing experience. Whether due to age, injury, or other dental issues, it can significantly impact your appearance, speech, and ability to eat the foods you enjoy.

Dentures are a popular, convenient and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. They offer a chance to restore functionality and regain confidence. There are several types of traditional dentures, including those designed to replace an entire set of teeth and others intended for filling in the gaps left by a few missing natural teeth. While some dentures are immediately inserted after tooth extractions, others allow the gums to heal before placement.

If you're about to get dentures or have recently acquired them, it's important to know what to expect.

key takeaways

1. Adjusting to dentures takes time and this may vary from person to person.
2. The new dentures may feel bulky or loose; you may temporarily notice more saliva production and changes in speech.
3. New dentures often require adjustments. Follow-up appointments with your dentist are vital.
4. When transitioning to eating with dentures, start with soft foods and gradually experiment with different food types.
5. Special care is needed for immediate dentures following tooth extractions, including keeping them in place for the first 24 hours and managing bleeding and swelling with gauze and cold compresses.
6. Store your dentures in water and clean them daily.
7. Be patient and persevere during the adjustment period, as most individuals eventually adapt to dentures and regain confidence and functionality.

Adjusting to Dentures Takes Time

After receiving your dentures, it's important to remember that there will be an adjustment period. Your mouth, gums, and jaw muscles need time to adapt to the new appliance. Your new dentures may feel bulky or loose. You may salivate more initially, but over time this will decrease. You may also notice changes in your speech. Practicing reading out aloud may help your tongue and mouth adapt to the dentures. Over time, your speech will become more natural.

You may be wondering how long it takes to adjust to dentures. No two people are alike in their experiences. While some may adapt relatively quickly, others may require more time and patience.

The type of dentures, the condition of the gums and jawbone, and the person's overall oral health, all factor in to determining the length of the adjustment phase. For some, it may take a few weeks of gradual acclimatization, while others might need several months to feel entirely comfortable with their new dentures.

Special Care for Immediate Dentures Following Teeth Extractions

If your denture was inserted immediately after having teeth extracted, it's advisable to keep the denture in place for the initial 24-hour period. This enables the gum tissues to conform to the shape of the denture, resulting in a more comfortable and stable fit.

To help control any bleeding, gently bite down on the denture. If bleeding persists, you can temporarily remove the denture for up to 20 minutes. During this time, place a dampened gauze on the extraction site and bite down on it. Afterward, reinsert the denture into your mouth. For the initial 2-3 days, avoid leaving the dentures out for extended periods, as this may lead to tissue swelling and hinder their proper fit. Applying cold compresses and gently sipping cold water may also help with swelling and bleeding.

After 24 hours, you can remove your dentures and clean them. You can also rinse your mouth with a warm salt water rinse. To prepare the solution, simply mix half a teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water (make sure it's not too hot). After 3 days of continuous wear you can transition to wearing your dentures exclusively during the day.

After extractions, you may notice some bone chips or fragments in your mouth. This is a common occurrence as part of the natural healing process. If you’re experiencing discomfort, please reach out to our office.

Cleaning Dentures Is Important

To maintain optimal denture hygiene, it's essential to perform daily cleaning using a soft-bristled brush, warm water, and a mild hand soap. This routine helps minimize the presence of potentially harmful bacteria. To avoid accidental slips that could lead to breakage, it's advisable to clean dentures over a towel or a bowl of water.

You can also opt for denture cleaning pastes, but avoid using regular toothpaste since it may contain harsh abrasives that can damage your dentures. Additionally, you may consider using commercial dental cleanser solutions or effervescent tablets alongside manual brushing as part of your denture care regimen.

While storing dentures, you can place them in a glass with clean, room temperature water or a denture soaking solution. This helps them keep their shape.

New Dentures Often Require Adjustments

Upon delivery of your dentures or soon after, you may experience sore spots or gum irritation. This is completely normal and expected. If sore spots persist, reach out to our office. Potential denture adjustments can be made to help alleviate this and improve the fit.

Keep in mind that your mouth and the underlying tissues will experience ongoing changes. As your oral tissues heal and stabilize into their natural shape and size, a hard denture reline is recommended 6 months after the initial placement. Therefore, attending all your scheduled follow-up appointments is vital.

Plan Your Meals - Eat Soft Foods

Once you get your dentures, you might be tempted to indulge in that steak immediately, but it's advisable to hold off for the time being. Eating and chewing with your new dentures will take some practice.

It’s best to start off with soft foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, bananas, applesauce, cooked vegetables and smoothies. Chew on both sides of your mouth using small, bite size pieces. Avoid really hot foods as they may scald your mouth. As you gain more confidence with your new dentures you can slowly experiment with different foods.

A Final Note

The key to a successful adjustment is to persevere and be patient with yourself as your mouth adapts to the changes. Ultimately, over time and along with the dentist’s advice, most individuals find that they not only adjust to dentures, but also embrace life with renewed confidence and sense of fulfillment.

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Smile Confidently Again: Your New Dentures and What to Expect