Adjusting to new dentures

Anyone that is wearing dentures for the first time will probably be feeling a little worried as they learn to adjust to their new teeth. Every new denture wearer has the same concerns and it’s important not to panic.

• As your mouth gets used to dentures and learns to control them they will tighten up and not feel as loose as they may do when first fitted. On average it can take one week for every decade old you are to adjust to new dentures.

• As your tongue and cheeks will need to move in a different way now that you have new teeth, you may find certain words hard to pronounce. If you practice counting from 65 to 70 it will really help as these sounds can be the hardest to get used to saying. When you are alone practice reading aloud or talking to the pet or plants. It doesn’t take long to get used to speaking with new dentures.

• Once your gums have healed properly remove your dentures each night. When they have just been fitted you should keep them in for the first couple of nights to allow them to settle in sooner.

• Eating is a lot easier to do when you are used to them. Begin with very small pieces of soft food and chew gently. Try and use an up and down chewing motion rather than side to side jaw movements. Place small pieces of food on both sides of the mouth at the same time.

• When first fitted it is common for people to salivate a lot more which can affect the way you speak. This is because the mouth thinks that the denture plates are huge food items. It helps if you suck some sugar free boiled sweets for the first few hours of wearing new dentures. The salivation should decrease after you finish the sweets and the mouth won’t assume the denture plates are also items of food.

With time and consistent use you will quickly adapt and find they will fit perfectly and function extremely well.

Contact Us

The Smile Centre will be able to advise you on the best type of treatment for you. To book a free consultation, call us on 0800 327 7198. Alternatively, you can enquire online and we will call you back.