Wearing new dentures for the first time can feel both exciting and daunting. This appliance improves oral function and restores your smile. The initial insertion often feels awkward because the mouth is highly sensitive and detects even the slightest foreign object. Understanding that the first time is the most challenging will help manage expectations as you integrate this new device. Clear, practical guidance for the first insertion will smooth this transition.
Essential Preparation Steps
Proper preparation is necessary before insertion to ensure a smooth fit and protect oral tissues. First, thoroughly wash your hands to prevent transferring bacteria to the appliance or mouth. Rinse the denture under lukewarm running water to remove any residual processing chemicals or cleaning solutions.
The oral tissues, including the gums and palate, should be clean and slightly moist. Gently clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush to remove debris and stimulate blood flow. Inspect the denture for any rough or sharp edges that could cause immediate sore spots. Run a clean finger along the edges of the base to detect imperfections.
Use adhesive only if your dentist specifically recommended it for the first fitting. If required, apply a few small, pea-sized dots along the ridge of the base, avoiding the edges to prevent seepage. Too much adhesive undermines the fit. Hold the denture firmly over a soft towel or filled sink to prevent damage if it slips.
Step-by-Step Guide to First Insertion
Placing the denture requires deliberate movement and gentle pressure to achieve a proper seal.
Inserting the Upper Denture
Hold the upper denture with both thumbs on the inside curve and index fingers supporting the outside. The upper denture uses the natural suction of the palate for retention. Tilt the appliance slightly, inserting the back edge first toward the roof of your mouth. Gently rotate the front portion upward and forward until it aligns with the midline of your jaw. Apply firm but even upward pressure along the entire body of the denture until it seats securely against your gums.
Inserting the Lower Denture
The lower denture relies more on surrounding muscles for stability and less on suction. Hold the lower appliance with your index fingers and thumbs, positioning it directly over the lower gum ridge. The lower jaw’s shape often makes the denture feel looser. Keep your tongue relaxed but slightly elevated, as it helps stabilize the denture after placement. Gently press the denture down onto the ridge with even pressure along the entire arch.
Immediate Adjustments: Swallowing and Speaking
Once seated, the immediate sensation will be one of fullness, as the appliance occupies new space. This feeling is often accompanied by increased saliva production, a natural reflex because the mouth perceives the denture as a foreign object. Manage this excess saliva by swallowing normally.
Swallowing requires the tongue to find a new resting position and motion, which may feel awkward initially. Consciously practice a normal swallowing pattern to train the surrounding muscles. The increased salivation usually subsides within a week as your brain adjusts to the denture’s presence.
Speech articulation is often immediately affected because tongue movement is critical for forming consonants, especially “s” and “f” sounds. A temporary lisp is common as the tongue navigates the new contours of the denture base. To accelerate adjustment, practice speaking by reading aloud for short periods each day.
Clicking sounds sometimes occur when the dentures briefly lose stability during speech. Help seat the dentures properly before speaking by gently biting down and swallowing. Start with very soft foods, like mashed potatoes or eggs, and cut all food into small pieces to help manage the appliance during light chewing.
The First Night: Removal and Cleaning
The first night begins your long-term maintenance routine, starting with safe removal. To remove the upper denture, you must first break the suction seal. Swish your mouth with warm water to help loosen any adhesive. Place your index finger or thumb between the edge of the denture and your cheek, then gently press down and slightly forward to release the suction. Avoid using excessive force or rocking the appliance aggressively, which can damage your gums.
The lower denture is easier to remove by lifting it straight up with gentle pressure from both hands. After removal, the dentures must be thoroughly cleaned to remove food particles, bacteria, and adhesive residue. Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser or mild soap; never use regular toothpaste, which scratches acrylic.
Remove the dentures every night to allow gum tissues to rest and recover from the day’s pressure. The appliance should be stored in water or a specific denture-soaking solution as directed by your dental professional. Allowing the acrylic to dry out can cause it to warp, compromising the fit and stability.