Dentures replace missing teeth, restoring function and appearance. These custom-made, removable appliances help with chewing and speaking. While beneficial, new wearers should expect an adjustment period as the mouth adapts to the new appliance.
The Immediate Adjustment Phase
The first days and weeks with new dentures present temporary challenges as the mouth adapts. Discomfort and soreness are common as dentures settle against the gums. A feeling of bulkiness is common but diminishes as the mouth adjusts.
Increased saliva production is common, as the mouth perceives dentures as a foreign object, but this subsides as the mouth adjusts. Speech may be affected, with some noticing pronunciation difficulties or a lisp due to changes in tongue position.
Eating habits also change significantly. Chewing is challenging and may take longer as jaw muscles learn to work with dentures. Dentures may feel unstable or slip, particularly when biting or chewing. Most initial adjustment occurs within the first 30 days.
Continued Adaptation and Comfort
After the initial adjustment, the mouth continues to adapt over several weeks to months. While discomfort lessens, gums and underlying bone can change shape over time. This reshaping means dentures that once fit snugly may feel loose or shift.
Regular adjustments or relines become necessary to maintain proper fit and comfort as oral tissues evolve. Full comfort and confidence with dentures can take three to six months for most individuals. During this period, eating and speaking become more natural, allowing for a broader range of foods and clearer communication. Patience remains important as the mouth integrates dentures into daily function.
Strategies for Easier Adjustment
Several practical approaches can help new denture wearers navigate the adjustment period more smoothly. Starting with soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, or scrambled eggs, can ease the transition to eating with dentures. Gradually introduce more solid foods, cutting them into smaller pieces, and chewing slowly and evenly to help prevent dentures from shifting and reduce discomfort. Avoiding sticky or hard foods like nuts and caramel is advisable in the early stages.
Practicing speaking aloud, by reading or singing, can help the tongue and facial muscles adapt to forming words with the new appliance. Consistent practice helps to improve articulation and confidence.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important, including daily cleaning of dentures with a specialized brush and rinsing them after meals. Soaking dentures overnight in a cleaning solution or water helps keep them moist and prevents warping. Using denture adhesives, if recommended by a dentist, can provide added stability, especially in the early days. Regular follow-up appointments with the dental professional are important for necessary adjustments and to ensure proper fit.
Knowing When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort and adjustment are normal, certain symptoms indicate contacting a dental professional. Persistent pain, severe soreness, or unhealing sores warrant immediate attention, signaling an improper fit.
Dentures that consistently click, slip, or feel loose after initial adjustments also suggest professional evaluation. Difficulty eating or speaking that doesn’t improve, or signs of infection like red or bleeding gums or a persistent bad odor, should prompt a visit.