[HOW-TO] Adjust to Dentures: 4 Ways to Make the Transition Easier

When dental implants are not an option, dentures are an alternative for those who are missing teeth. They fit right in where the missing teeth once were, giving your smile back and improving your quality of life.

However, as with any change inside the mouth, dentures take some getting used to. Expect to make adjustments in your daily routine as your mouth adapts.

Here are tips to help make your transition to dentures easier:

• Continue to wear your dentures as your mouth adapts. Please call us as needed for adjustments.
• Practice eating. Here are tips for eating with your new dentures:
  • Choose soft foods
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods
  • Cut food into small pieces
  • Bite carefully and chew slowly
  • Chew using both sides of your mouth
• Practice talking. Just like with eating, speaking will also get easier with practice.
  • Tip: Read aloud to get used to talking with dentures and to get used to how they feel in your mouth.
• Clean your dentures daily with a denture cleanser and denture brush. Learn more about cleaning your dentures here.
• Take your dentures out at bedtime to give your gums a rest while you sleep.

Common Issues for New Denture Wearers

Some common issues may occur when you first start wearing your dentures. These are common and will most likely go away.

• Increased saliva
• Soreness of the mouth muscles or along the gums
• The sensation that your dentures are loose or too big – your tongue and mouth muscles will soon adjust and help keep your dentures in place

As always, contact THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® if you are uncomfortable or have questions about your new dentures. 

If you’re using a lot of denture adhesive your dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced. Denture adhesives are a great way to help you get used to your new dentures, but avoid extended use of denture adhesives. A loose-fitting denture can cause irritation, mouth sores, and infection, and a quick adjustment to your denture will likely fix the issue.

Living With Dentures

When you have dentures, oral care is still very important. Routine exams are recommended to maintain overall oral health. Here are some at-home tips:

• Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth before you put in your dentures and before bed.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• If you have remaining teeth, you’ll still need to follow your recommended hygiene schedule to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• If you have no remaining teeth, your dentist will need to routinely examine your gums and check the fit of your dentures.

About THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®

THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.