What to Expect When Getting Dentures San Jose, CA
Preparation before getting dentures includes shopping for certain types of foods and products and reading about the expected lifestyle after dentures. Lifestyle after dentures brings about several changes, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a relatively smooth transition. Dentures are a popular, efficient way to replace missing teeth and to bring back a smile. Most denture treatment plans have certain provisions in case the dentures need adjustments, such as reshaping or relining.
Tips for preparation before getting dentures are available at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics in San Jose and the surrounding area. The biggest changes occur in the first few days after the procedure. It is critical to stock up on soft foods with the texture of mashed potatoes and ice cream.
Increased salivation is common with new dentures, as are sore spots. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water helps. Our office is here to help if any soreness or pain persists. After about a month, your food consumption and lifestyle should mostly return to how it was pre-dentures. Call us at (408) 791-2800 to make an appointment and learn how to prepare for your new dentures.
Foods to Buy Before the Procedure
Wearing dentures for the first time can take some time to get used to. New denture wearers should be careful with their food choices for a few weeks to ensure that their mouths adjust well. Initially, we recommend sticking with liquids and soft foods such as soups, smoothies, puddings, applesauce, and other liquefied food.
When people are ready to move on to solid foods, they should still avoid hard foods that can dislodge dentures or damage them. WebMD recommends cutting foods into small portions and chewing on both sides of the mouth rather than the front teeth. Avoid smoking and drinking staining foods and drinks since dentures can become discolored like natural teeth.
“New denture wearers should be careful with their food choices for a few weeks to ensure that their mouths adjust well.”
Lifestyle Changes
New denture wearers will experience various lifestyle changes as they adjust to and maintain their appliances. People with new dentures will have to learn how to eat and speak again as the mouth muscles get used to the new feeling. It is normal to experience more saliva flow initially; however, this will fade over time as people get used to wearing dentures.
While speaking may also feel strange with dentures, practicing will help. Practicing will train the mouth muscles and build confidence in speaking with dentures. Other lifestyle changes include diet and oral hygiene routines to keep dentures clean and healthy.
“New denture wearers will experience various lifestyle changes as they adjust to and maintain their appliances.”
Maintaining a Clean Mouth
It is crucial that patients exercise adequate oral hygiene habits to maintain their new dentures and keep the oral cavity clean and healthy. Patients with removable dentures should be especially careful to clean out their mouth and the dentures after each meal. Removable dentures should be placed in a cleaning solution overnight and rinsed before re-wearing in the morning. Patients with fixed dentures should also brush, floss, and rinse after every meal.
We recommend patients purchase a cleaning solution prior to the denture procedure to ensure they have the necessary materials right away. Many types of mild solutions are sold over the counter, such as Efferdent® and Polident®. There is also a variety of cleaning kits available to clean the dentures throughout the day and overnight. Patients with allergies or sensitivities may also use a mild soap as a solution. However, it is pertinent to discuss any allergies prior to the procedure to ensure that the solution is safe and effective.
“We recommend patients purchase a cleaning solution prior to the denture procedure to ensure they have the necessary materials right away.”
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What to Expect Before and After
Before the placement procedure, patients can expect a full, thorough rundown of the entire treatment process. We have found that it eases panic levels and induces comfort before and during the procedure. We will inform the patient about the procedure, follow-up care, and any diet and lifestyle changes that will ensue.
Following the procedure, it typically takes patients an average of 30 days to fully adjust to their new dentures. Patients who exercise all pertinent measures and instructions may reduce that time. We will set the follow-up appointments and routinely check the progress of the patient's healing as well as make any alterations as needed. In general, patients should be back to their normal eating and lifestyle after a few weeks.
“We will inform the patient about the procedure, follow-up care, and any diet and lifestyle changes that will ensue.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What foods should people buy to prepare for dentures?
Q. What lifestyle changes will people experience after getting dentures?
Q. How do I maintain a clean mouth with dentures?
Q. What can I expect before and after denture placement?
People Also Ask
Q. Why are dentures a preferred treatment?
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Q. How should people adjust to their new dentures?
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Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. What is the process of getting partial dentures?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which type of cleanser is best for my dentures?
A. It depends on your preferences, but many people opt to soak their dentures in a solution. It reduces bacteria, which addresses or prevents odor issues. Other types of cleansers require brushing, which takes more time and attention than a solution.
Q. Can I use toothpaste to care for my dentures?
A. As WebMD explains, traditional toothpaste is too abrasive for dentures. WebMD adds that products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance are a great and safe choice. We can go over possible cleaning solutions to use during an appointment.
Q. Will my mouth feel tired in my lifestyle after dentures?
A. Patients' mouths may feel tired because dentures can seem quite heavy and hard at first. The more they wear them, the quicker their mouths will adjust. If they need to start by wearing them for a few hours daily and work their way up, they can do so. If serious issues with pain or soreness persist, you may need an adjustment.
Q. What tips should my family members know about my preparation before getting dentures?
A. If the patient lives in a household with others, it helps if they already eat the same things that the patient does. If possible, the patient, and those whom they live with, can go shopping together for food and dental products such as dental brushes, cleansers, and adhesives.
Q. Will my speech be affected by wearing dentures?
A. Patients may feel like their speech is hard to understand. Chances are, it is not. This effect is exaggerated because dentures affect the vibrations and sound volume traveling to one's ears. Adhesives can keep dentures from "kicking out" while talking. It is encouraged for patients to practice reading out loud so they can get used to speaking with their dentures.
Q. Should I prepare to wear dentures 24 hours a day?
A. Possibly, but only to start. Dentists may advise 24/7 wearing as the quickest route to assess whether the dentures need adjustments. After that, dentures should be removed when going to sleep, as it enables the patient's gums to rest.
Q. What should I do if I produce too much saliva with dentures?
A. One option is to rest the gums by taking dentures out. Alternatively, try drinking more water. A third approach is to suck on sugar-free lozenges.
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Denture Terminology
Call Us Today
Taking the right preparations before receiving dentures can aid the adjustment process to dentures. Our team at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics can help. Call us today at 408-791-2800 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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