Brand New Dentures Dentures are meant to fit snug against your gums so you might have a sore jaw or gums and might also experience trouble speaking at first. After you receive your dentures you will have a follow up with your dentist to see how they are fitting and if there needs to be adjustments made.
Expect Discomfort Early On
As a general rule of thumb, dental professionals are likely to tell you that adjusting to new dentures takes about 30 days, on average. You might not be keen to wait this long, but you need to be careful how quickly you try to get back to normal.
When a patient first gets dentures, it can take up to 30 days to get used to wearing the denture. During this time, patients may struggle with learning how to chew and speak with their new teeth, as well as experience soreness and pain on their gums from the denture.
Your dentures become loose for different reasons, the most common of which is bone resorption, which is the process where your gums begin to shrink because they are no longer being used to hold your teeth in place. Everyday wear and tear is another reason your dentures can become loose.
Generally you should wear your dentures for at least 8 hours a day. This will give your gums and jawbone time to get used to the dentures and prevent sore spots from developing. It is best to take them out at night so that your gums can rest. You should also remove them for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
WHY MIGHT DENTURES BECOME LOOSE? Your dentures can become loose for a number of reasons, many of which are perfectly normal. The most common reason for loose-fitting dentures is a process known as bone resorption, where the gums begin to shrink due to them no longer needing to hold your teeth in place.
Ill-fitting dentures can cause soreness, swelling and even an increased risk of infection – so if you're noticing problems, it's best to contact your dentist as soon as possible to check if you need to get your prosthesis refitted.
Generally speaking, if dentures are properly fitted, denture adhesive is not necessary to keep them in place. If you feel that you need something to help your full or partial dentures stay in place, speak to your dentist about having your dentures refitted before attempting to fix the issue with adhesive.
Always keep the dentures wet while they are out of the mouth. Two to five days after insertion, you should begin removing the dentures at night. Removing the dentures allows small blood vessels to enlarge and provide nourishment to the tissues supporting the dentures.
For example, a custom-made denture requires gums to heal for three to six months. During this time, gums will be allowed to heal and patients meet with their dentist for fittings and adjustments. This ensures that when the gums are healed and ready for the permanent dentures, they will be a perfect fit.
Common conditions you may experience at first
Many people say their dentures feel bulky and too big for their mouths. Others report that the new dentures feel too loose. Saliva production increases and your gums and jaw muscles may feel sore and tired. With time, these issues typically resolve on their own.
Are dentures comfortable to wear? At first, dentures usually feel uncomfortable as you will experience a feeling of fullness in your mouth. According to dental professionals, it takes about 30 days to get used to your new dentures but eventually, you will feel normal.
Check with your dentist to make sure your dentures fit properly – Sometimes, dentures need adjustments to create a more natural fit. If you find yourself having trouble chewing and eating even after the initial adjustment period, you should always check in with your dentist.
Reports of Problems
The FDA is aware of case reports in the medical literature linking negative reactions such as nerve damage, numbness or tingling sensations from denture adhesives that contain zinc to chronic overuse of the products.
There is no rule against brushing your dentures without removing them. Doing so is unlikely to cause any harm as long as you use a very soft-bristled brush and avoid abrasive cleaning agents.
It's important that you don't remove your dentures during the first 24 hours so the gums have a chance to heal. Your full dentures act much like a bandaid during your first day, which is why you'll even need to wear your dentures to bed. After 24 hours, we highly recommend removing your dentures before going to sleep.
Permanent Dentures: In general, permanent dentures are a more comfortable and better fit than temporary options and can typically last for years without further adjustments. Despite being more expensive, permanent dentures offer a better fit and better durability.
Dentures should fit comfortably in your mouth and not be too tight or too loose. If they are too tight, they can cause pain and discomfort. If they are too loose, they may slip out of your mouth or become damaged. To ensure that your dentures fit well, you should visit your dentist regularly for adjustments.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, gauze, or washcloth to massage and clean your gums and remove any leftover denture adhesive. If you wear a partial denture, remember to continue brushing and flossing your natural teeth, too.
One of the most common questions dentists get asked by new denture wearers is “can you chew gum with dentures?” The good news is: yes, you can!