Tips and tricks for getting used to new dentures

Getting used to new dentures doesn’t have to be hard, after the initial few days you will start to get used to them and feel more comfortable. We are always here to help if you need us and only a phone call away. Follow our tips and tricks and you’ll soon be enjoying your new smile.

1. BE PATIENT

Learning to wear new dentures can take time. Don’t become discouraged if you find some difficulty in the beginning. You are not alone! Please do not compare yourself to friends who tell you how easy it was for them to get used to their dentures and how they can eat everything and anything. They may have greater bone or gum support or their memories may be faded. Your Clinical Dental Technician will help you through any difficulties you may face or any situations that may arise during your adjustment period.

2. START BY EATING SOFT FOODS

For the first few days as these are gentle on your gums, it’s good to start with things like mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables and ice cream and try to take smaller bites. Then progress to more solid foods and try to eat slowly and deliberately. By placing food on both sides of the mouth at the same time while chewing, you balance the biting forces on the new denture which will help to make it more stable. The longer you take to eat your meal, the faster you will learn to master your new dentures. And avoid chewy foods at least for the short term Try to eat only soft foods for the first few days.

3. TAKE YOUR DENTURES OUT

Wearing new dentures is a little bit like getting used to new shoes, if they are hurting take them out, it is not wrong to go back to your old denture during the initial adjustment time. It’s a good idea to routinely leave out one or both of your dentures at night. This allows your gum tissues to breathe and also relieves them of the constant pressures of chewing. If you do not want to do this then try to take your dentures out for at least 1 hour each day – an ideal time to do this is during showering/bathing.

4. PRACTICE SPEAKING IN PRIVATEGetting used to new dentures

At first, it’s a good idea to practice reading aloud to yourself or better still singing along to your favourite songs. This will soon get you used to word formation and any initial difficulties you might have in speaking.

5. KEEP YOUR DENTURES CLEAN

Just as you would with your natural teeth, dentures need brushing and soaking every day. Click here for more denture cleaning tips.

6. KEEP YOUR OLD SET

If you have them it’s always a good idea to keep your old set of dentures. If your new dentures need any adjustments after fitting, we may need to keep them for a few days so keep your old set as a spare. It also means that if you ever lose or break your new denture you will have a temporary standby.

7. EXPECT A FEW ADJUSTMENTS

It is perfectly normal to experience some discomfort associated with sore spots during the adjustment period. Nature did not intend for us to wear hard plastic against the soft gum tissue. It takes a while for the gum tissues to firm up and to accommodate the hard plastic denture. Give us a call and we will be happy to adjust your denture if necessary, it will only take minutes and is all part of the service.

8. USE A MOUTHWASH

If you have any sore spots use an alcohol-free medicated mouthwash, which will soothe your mouth whilst not drying out the soft tissue.

Call us on 0800 096 5222 for further advice or to arrange a free consultation.