Getting used to dentures
Overview
Dentures are designed to restore your smile, help you chew more comfortably and support your overall oral health. Like any dental treatment, it can take a little time to adjust as your mouth and muscles get used to your new dentures.
During the first few weeks, you may notice small changes in how your dentures feel when speaking, eating or smiling. These adjustments are a normal part of the process. With time, practice and guidance from your Aspen Dental care team, most patients grow comfortable and confident with their dentures as they become part of their daily routine.
Adjusting to dentures takes time and practice
Speaking and eating may feel different at first but typically improve as you adapt
Minor soreness or pressure can occur while your mouth adjusts
Eating softer foods at first can help make the transition easier
Proper cleaning and daily care help keep your dentures comfortable and long-lasting
Your Aspen Dental care team can make adjustments if your dentures need a better fit
What to expect the first few days after your denture procedure
During the first few days of healing, it’s normal to experience some soreness, bleeding, and swelling. These symptoms are part of the healing process. To help prevent infection and support recovery, avoid using straws, spitting or smoking. It’s also important to keep your denture in at all times—even while sleeping—during these initial days.
You may notice the following:
Gum soreness or tenderness
It’s common for your gums to feel sore as they heal. To help relieve discomfort, gently rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain medication as directed by your care team.
Difficulty chewing and slight changes in taste
Chewing may feel different at first, and some foods may taste unfamiliar. Start with soft foods and slowly reintroduce firmer foods as you feel more comfortable.
Changes in fit, looseness, or movement
As your gums heal, they may shrink, which can cause your denture to feel loose. This is normal. Continue following your provider’s care instructions. If the fit feels uncomfortable or concerning, schedule a follow-up visit for an adjustment.
The first 24 hours with your new dentures
During the first 24 hours with your new dentures, it’s common to notice some pressure, increased saliva or mild soreness as your mouth begins to adjust. Your dentist may recommend wearing your dentures continuously during this initial period so they can identify and adjust any areas causing irritation.
Try to stick to soft foods and take small bites while eating. If discomfort occurs, remove your dentures and follow any care instructions provided by your dental team. After this first period, your Aspen Dental care team may guide you on when to remove your dentures for cleaning and overnight rest as part of your daily routine.
Denture recovery time
You’ve got this
The hardest part is behind you. At this point, soreness, pressure and swelling are normal. While you heal, your denture will act as a bandage to protect your healing gums, so don’t remove it unless otherwise directed.
Keep it up
Speaking and eating with your new denture will feel different at first. Discomfort is normal. Stick to soft foods, chew slowly, and practice speaking to adjust.
Almost there
By this point, your denture should start feeling comfortable. If it feels loose, you notice sore spots or have difficulty eating, please contact us.
So close
As you heal, it’s normal for your denture to feel a little loose as your gums heal and adjust. We recommend trying denture adhesive to stabilize your smile for a more comfortable fit. If anything feels off or you’re unsure, give us a call.
Not much longer
After healing, it’ll be time to finalize your smile with an impression of your mouth or denture. Depending on your care plan, we’ll either hard reline your denture or make a new final denture so you get your best fit long-term.
Time to smile
Congratulations! You’re ready to show off your new smile. As you get used to your denture, remember we’re only a call away to answer questions, address concerns and help you maintain.
Starting the denture healing process
Prepare ahead of time for your initial healing period after your extraction to support a smooth recovery.
Prepare soft foods such as protein shakes, mashed potatoes, soft pasta and lukewarm soup. Avoid extreme hot or cold foods.
Some swelling, bruising, or run-off from your mouth is normal during this time. Prepare towels, face cloths, and ice packs to help.
Prepare a reclining chair or pillows on your bed to keep your head upright when sleeping, and follow any instructions provided by your doctor.
Prepare medications you currently take, over-the-counter pain meds, antibiotics or any other medications prescribed by your dentist, so you can have them ready once you’re out of your procedure.
Adjusting to dentures
In the 2 weeks following your extraction(s), you may notice stitches loosening or dissolving, along with reduced swelling and little to no bleeding. To help your recovery progress smoothly, you can:
Practice speaking
As your mouth continues to heal, you’ll get used to speaking again with your new teeth. Reading out loud can help you adapt more quickly.
Ease into eating
To practice eating, put food on either side of your mouth and chew small bites of soft foods and gradually add in firmer foods based on your clinician's recommendations.
Rest and recover
Make sure you take the time to rest and recover after getting your new dentures.
Clean daily
Clean your dentures daily for good oral health. Gently clean it using a daily cleanser and soft denture brush.
Getting used to life with dentures
After the first few weeks, many people notice that getting used to dentures starts to feel easier. As your gums continue healing and your mouth adapts, daily routines become more comfortable and predictable. This stage of the new dentures adjustment period is when most patients begin to feel more confident living with dentures.
Eating feels more natural as you reintroduce a wider variety of foods
Speaking requires less effort and fewer adjustments
Mild pressure or sensitivity continues to fade
Dentures feel more stable as your mouth adapts
Although the denture healing process is still ongoing, these improvements are signs that your body is adjusting as expected.
Continue wearing your dentures consistently
Take your time with meals and chew evenly
Maintain daily cleaning to protect gum health
Reach out for adjustments if sore spots continue
Denture care built around you
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Frequently asked questions about getting used to dentures
Yes. Sore spots can develop as your mouth adjusts and you get used to your dentures. Contact your dental office for an adjustment—do not try to fix dentures yourself.
Do not use any adhesives (creams, gels, strips or powders) until specifically instructed by your dentist, who will show you how and when to apply them correctly.
Your dentist will give guidance, but many patients are advised to remove dentures nightly once the initial adjustment period has passed to allow gums to rest and maintain good oral health.
Adjustments are common during the first few weeks as your mouth adapts. Ongoing checkups help maintain fit over time.
Call your dentist if you have ongoing pain, sores that don’t improve, difficulty eating, or dentures that won’t stay in place.
Do not use any adhesives (creams, gels, strips or powders) until specifically instructed by your dentist, who will show you how and when to apply them correctly.