Adjusting to New Dentures San Jose, CA
The adjustment period for new dentures brings the excitement of an enhanced smile, but it also requires patience and practice. Making the transition to wearing dentures full time is a significant change that involves developing new eating, speaking, and dental hygiene practices.
Dentures are available at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics in San Jose and the surrounding area. Our team can provide tips and support to help you adjust well to your new dentures. There are several different strategies to practice and try at home to make the change easier. Call us at (408) 791-2800 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Tips for Adjusting to New Dentures
While dentures improve the form and function of a person's smile, they feel and act differently than natural teeth. These differences can entail a learning curve as people must learn how to care for their dentures and get used to smiling, eating, speaking, and drinking while wearing dentures. It is important for people to continue wearing their dentures to help their mouth adjust. It is common for people to feel that their dentures are too loose or big at first. However, the tongue and mouth muscles will soon adjust and help keep the dentures in place.
Speaking is one of the most noticeable adjustments patients must make when adjusting to dentures. Patients may experience some difficulty speaking with them because of the changes in the way the mouth muscles move. We recommend that people practice reading out loud in front of a mirror during those first few weeks. Patients should also make sure they have the right denture adhesive and start by speaking slowly to get used to conversing with dentures.
“While dentures improve the form and function of a person’s smile, they feel and act differently than natural teeth.”
Denture Hygiene Routine
Another crucial aspect of adjusting to new dentures is a consistent and effective dental hygiene routine. Proper denture care is essential to maintaining the health of the gums and mouth. Dentures should be brushed and rinsed every day to remove food and plaque. It is also vital to soak dentures overnight since dentures need to remain moist to maintain their shape.
People should avoid using abrasive cleaning materials such as harsh or whitening toothpaste, hot water, and products that contain bleach. It is also essential to schedule regular dental check-ups. These appointments allow us to ensure that the dentures fit properly and prevent slippage and discomfort.
“Another crucial aspect of adjusting to new dentures is a consistent and effective dental hygiene routine.”
What To Expect in the First 30 Days
The first 30 days of wearing new dentures will be an adjustment period. For instance, learning to speak and eat while wearing dentures can be challenging. Patients may experience an increase in salivation when they start wearing these prostheses. This is normal in the first couple of weeks and should decrease as the mouth adjusts. Patients who had tooth extractions before getting dentures may experience some soreness as the mouth adapts to the protheses.
This soreness is normal in the first four weeks; however, if the pain persists and it feels as if the dentures do not fit well, the patient should talk to a dentist. One main tip is to use the recommended amount of denture adhesive or cream. During an appointment, we can go over the possible products and recommend the most effective solution for your needs. If the denture still feels as if it does not fit, do not use more cream to make it fit. Please contact us instead.
“The first 30 days of wearing new dentures will be an adjustment period.”
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Change Eating Practices
New denture wearers may want to practice a few meals at home alone. In the first couple of days, focus on softer foods, such as mashed potatoes or yogurt. Avoid biting with the front of the teeth because this action may dislodge the dentures.
Doing things like chewing on both sides of the mouth, cutting food into small pieces, chewing slowly, and drinking fluids to wash the mouth out can all be effective ways to prepare for life with dentures. Be careful with hot liquids. Dentures insulate the mouth, making it less sensitive to heat.
“Doing things like chewing on both sides of the mouth, cutting food into small pieces, chewing slowly, and drinking fluids to wash the mouth out can all be effective ways to prepare for life with dentures.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How should people adjust to their new dentures?
Q. How should people take care of their new dentures?
Q. What can one expect with new dentures?
Q. How should patients change their eating practices with dentures?
People Also Ask
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Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can new dentures be adjusted?
A. When you are adjusting to new dentures, you may experience discomfort when wearing them. If you see sores on your gums or tongue, the dentures may not fit correctly. Your dentist can adjust your dentures if necessary.
Q. What can I do for pain when I am adjusting to new dentures?
A. Use an oral topical gel or cream made to relieve pain. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. Take your dentures out at night and for extended periods during the day.
Q. Why do new dentures cause too much saliva?
A. When your mouth is adjusting to new dentures, there is a foreign object in your mouth. This makes your salivary glands work harder. After two weeks of wearing dentures, the saliva should decrease to more normal levels.
Q. How often should I see the dentist after getting new dentures?
A. You should make a yearly appointment with your dentist to check your dentures. This can verify fit and make sure they stay comfortable. This annual visit may include an exam to check for oral health issues, such as cancer.
Q. Can I sleep while wearing dentures?
A. Yes, you can wear your dentures at night. However, the American College of Prosthodontists recommends removing dentures while sleeping to give the gums a chance to rest from the pressure of the dentures. You should always take your dentures out every 24 hours to clean them.
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Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
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