Adjusting to New Dentures: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you new to dentures? Getting used to dentures takes time. This guide will help you feel better with your new teeth.
Table of Contents
First Week With New Dentures
The first days with new dentures can be hard. Most people need 30-90 days to get fully used to their dentures. You are not alone!
What To Expect:
- Sore spots in your mouth
- Hard time eating food
- Speaking may sound funny
- Your mouth may make more spit
Quick Tips For Day One:
- Wear your dentures as told by your dentist
- Eat soft foods cut in small bits
- Talk out loud to get used to speaking
- Use denture adhesive if your dentist says it’s OK
- Rinse with warm salt water to help sore spots
Eating With Dentures
About 65% of people have trouble eating when they first get dentures. This gets better with time and practice!
Best Foods For New Denture Wearers:
Soft foods make eating 50% easier in the first month.
| Good Foods | Foods To Avoid |
|---|---|
| Eggs | Hard candy |
| Yogurt | Sticky foods |
| Soup | Tough meat |
| Pasta | Very hot foods |
| Fish | Popcorn |
| Mashed potatoes | Nuts |
Tips For Eating:
- Cut food into small bits
- Chew on both sides of your mouth at the same time
- Start with soft foods before trying harder foods
- Go slow when you eat
- Don’t bite with your front teeth at first
Eating gets much better after a few weeks! By one month, most foods will be easier to eat. Check out our guide on dental plates for adults for more tips.
Speaking With Dentures
About 40% of people have trouble talking when they first get dentures[^4]. Don’t worry! Your speech will get better with practice.
Common Speech Issues:
- Lisping (saying “s” sounds funny)
- Words sound slurred
- Clicking sounds when you talk
Speech Practice Tips:
- Read out loud for 10 minutes each day
- Practice saying hard words like “Mississippi” or “sixty-six”
- Talk on the phone with friends to practice
- Sing along to songs you like
Good news: 70% of people speak much better after 2-3 weeks of practice!
Taking Care Of Your Dentures
Good care helps your dentures last longer and keeps your mouth healthy.
Daily Care Steps:
- Clean dentures after meals
- Use a soft brush made for dentures
- Rinse your mouth after taking dentures out
- Soak dentures at night in water or cleaning solution
- Handle with care – dentures can break if dropped
Proper cleaning cuts your risk of mouth infections by 90%.
Want to learn more about denture care? Visit our page about denture repair for helpful information.
Fixing Common Denture Problems
Almost 85% of people need at least one visit back to the dentist to fix how their dentures fit.
Problem Solving:
| Problem | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Sore spots | See your dentist for adjustments |
| Loose dentures | Try adhesive for now, see dentist soon |
| Dry mouth | Drink more water, ask about special rinses |
| Too much saliva | Normal at first, will get better |
| Bad smell | Clean dentures better, see dentist if it stays |
When To Call Your Dentist:
- Pain that doesn’t go away
- Clicking that doesn’t stop
- Dentures feel very loose
- Broken dentures
- Sores that don’t heal
Never try to fix dentures yourself! This can make things worse.
Emotional Side Of Getting Dentures
About 55% of people feel shy or not like themselves when they first get dentures. This is normal! Your confidence will grow with time.
Tips For Feeling Better:
- Remember this is a new skill – like learning to ride a bike
- Practice smiling in the mirror
- Tell close friends so they can support you
- Remember the health benefits of dentures
- Join a support group online to talk with others
Good news: 80% of people feel much more confident after 60 days with their dentures!
For seniors with specific concerns, our page on dentures for seniors has helpful advice.
The Timeline For Getting Used To Dentures
Everyone is different, but here’s what most people experience:
Week 1:
- Most uncomfortable time
- Focus on soft foods and rest
- Normal to have sore spots
Weeks 2-4:
- Less sore but still getting used to dentures
- Can eat more foods
- Speech improves a lot
Months 1-2:
- Much more comfortable
- Can eat most normal foods
- Confidence grows
- May need adjustments from dentist
After 3 Months:
- Dentures feel like a normal part of life
- Most people are fully adjusted
A study of 100 patients showed that people who follow a 30-day adjustment plan (with soft foods and daily speech practice) get used to their dentures 40% faster.
Special Tips For Different Types Of Dentures
Full Dentures:
- May take longer to get used to
- Need to learn new chewing patterns
- Speaking may be harder at first
Partial Dentures:
- Usually easier to get used to
- May need adjustments to fit with natural teeth
- Be careful when flossing near clips
Implant-Supported Dentures:
- Often more stable for eating
- Less learning curve for chewing
- Need special cleaning around implants
Learn more about flexible options with our guide on flexible denture with metal which many find more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until dentures feel normal?
Most people adjust in 30-90 days, but everyone is different.
Why do my dentures make me gag?
This is common at first. Your mouth will get used to them. If it doesn’t get better, see your dentist.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
Most dentists say to take them out at night to let your gums rest.
Will dentures change how my face looks?
Yes, often in a good way! Dentures support your cheeks and lips.
How often should I get new dentures?
Most dentures last 5-7 years before needing to be replaced.
Can I use regular toothpaste on dentures?
No, regular toothpaste is too harsh. Use special denture cleaners.
Success Story
Mary’s Journey: “The first week was hard. I could only eat soup and felt silly talking. But I practiced every day. By week three, I could eat a sandwich! After two months, I went to my grandson’s wedding and smiled in all the photos. No one knew I had dentures!”
Final Tips For Denture Success
- Be patient – it gets better!
- Keep all dental visits
- Clean dentures every day
- Use the right denture products
- Tell your dentist about any problems
- Give yourself time to adjust
- Remember the benefits of your new smile
Your new dentures will soon feel like a normal part of your life. The adjustment period is worth it for a healthy, beautiful smile!
