How to Adjust to Your Dentures with Ease

Dentures can restore the function and appearance of your smile, but they can have a bit of a learning curve. 

Adjusting to new dentures — even fixed dentures — can feel like a challenge, but with the right strategies, you’ll be smiling and eating comfortably in no time. 

Follow these seven steps to make the transition as smooth as possible, courtesy of  Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro and The Dental Center of Hercules team.

1. Start with soft food

There’s a reason why “start with soft food” is recommended to anyone with new dentures. Your gums need time to adjust to your new dentures and they can feel sore for a few days. If you’ve also had dental implants surgically implanted (to support fixed dentures), you may experience soreness from that too.

A soft food diet helps you eat with a sore mouth, but it also provides another benefit: It’s easier to learn how to chew with dentures with soft food. Nutritious — but easy to eat — options include:

• Soups — hot or cold
• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Pureed veggies 
• Chia pudding
• Cottage cheese and pureed fruit
• Oatmeal, grits, or creamy wheat cereal

Gradually introduce more textured options as you gain confidence. For example, you might start with applesauce then move to poached apple slices then move to small diced raw apples then finally larger pieces of raw apple.

2. Practice speaking out loud

Speaking with dentures may feel awkward at first. Practice by reading out loud — whether that’s a book, poem, or news article. If you stumble over any passages, repeat the difficult words to help your tongue and lips adjust to their new positioning.

3. Use denture adhesive 

Traditional dentures use suction (not implants) to stay in place. They are more prone to sliding when you eat or speak. However, many people find that denture adhesive helps their dentures stay in place better while eating and speaking. This little bit of adhesive can do wonders for your confidence.

That being said, if you have permanent dentures, you don’t need denture adhesive. This is just another benefit of the fixed dentures available here at The Dental Center of Hercules. Because Dr. Teodoro offers fixed dentures that are supported by dental implants, you don't have to worry about denture adhesive.

4. Learn how to keep your dentures clean

Proper cleaning of fixed dentures, also known as implant-supported dentures, is good for your oral health as well as the lifespan of your dentures. However, caring for your dentures is different from how you used to brush your natural teeth.

Brush your fixed dentures twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles. Don’t use regular toothpaste because that’s too abrasive for your denture teeth. 

Not sure which cleansing paste is right for you?  Choose products specially formulated for dentures that feature the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. Dr. Teodoro can also recommend the right one for you.

Use floss or a water flosser to clean around your implants and under your denture to prevent bacteria buildup. 

Bonus: You don’t have to remove and soak fixed dentures nightly.

5. Stay hydrated

A dry mouth isn’t pleasant for anyone! It can make your mouth feel sticky and can contribute to bad breath. Dry mouth can even make wearing dentures uncomfortable. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

If you have dry mouth from the result of a medication (the most frequent cause of dry mouth), drinking water alone may not be enough. Talk to Dr. Teodoro if you have a constantly dry mouth.

In either case, make sure you’re drinking enough water as you get acclimated to your new dentures.

6. Be patient with yourself

It’s normal to experience mild discomfort during the adjustment period. Give yourself time and space to get used to your new dentures. 

7. Talk to us

Adjusting to dentures takes time, but with patience and consistent care, they’ll feel like a natural part of your daily life. That being said, if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to call us at 510-254-3328. Dr. Teodoro and our team can recommend personalized guidance to help you adjust to your new smile.

To learn more about fixed dentures, use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.