26
Dec
Adjusting to New Dentures: Common Challenges and Easy Fixes
Reviewed by Dr. Ava Khodakhast
|
Reading time: four minutes
Dentures change how your gums, muscles, and bite work together, so an adjustment period is expected. You may experience minor irritation, changes in speech, or difficulty with certain foods at first. These are normal responses as your mouth adapts, and small refinements early on make a significant difference in comfort.
Table of Contents
Why Adjusting to New Dentures Takes Time
Your mouth needs time to adapt to a new shape, new surfaces, and new chewing patterns. Soft tissues settle as healing progresses, and your jaw muscles learn to stabilize the denture naturally. Even dentures that fit extremely well require a period of adaptation.
Common Challenges and How to Fix Them
Even well-made dentures come with an adjustment period. Most of the early frustrations you feel are completely normal. Here are the most common challenges new denture wearers experience and the easiest ways to fix them.
1. Sore Spots and Irritation
As your gums adapt, minor sore areas are common. Dentures rest on soft tissue, so even slight pressure changes can cause irritation.
Easy Fixes
- Visit our office for a refinement to relieve pressure
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritation
- Wear your denture as directed so we can identify areas that truly need adjustment
A well-made denture should feel better each week. If discomfort increases, a quick adjustment usually solves it.
2. Speaking Clearly Again
Dentures slightly change your tongue position, sometimes affecting pronunciation.
Easy Fixes
- Read out loud daily
- Practice words with “s,” “sh,” and “th” sounds
- Slow down your speech until your tongue adapts
Most patients notice improvement within a few days.
3. Difficulty Eating Certain Foods
It takes time for your bite to adjust, so you may find certain foods harder to chew in the beginning.
Easy Fixes
- Start with soft foods
- Cut food into small bites
- Chew evenly on both sides for balance
4. A Denture That Feels Loose
As swelling from extractions goes down, a once-perfect denture can feel slightly loose. This is to be expected.
Easy Fixes
- Schedule a relining or small adjustment
- Use denture adhesive temporarily if recommended
- Continue your planned follow-up appointments
5. Excess Saliva
Your brain may interpret the denture as “something new,” increasing saliva temporarily.
Easy Fixes
- Sip water throughout the day
- Pause and swallow more often as your mouth gets used to the denture
6. Difficulty Wearing Dentures All Day
It is normal for your gums to feel sensitive during the initial adjustment period.
Easy Fixes
- Wear the denture consistently so your mouth adjusts
- Remove it briefly when needed, but avoid long breaks
- Let us know about any discomfort so we can make the necessary adjustments.
Your comfort improves significantly with daily wear and early adjustments.
Tips for a Smooth Adjustment Period
A few small habits make the transition to dentures much easier. With the right routine and support, you can speed up the adjustment process and stay comfortable as your mouth heals.
1. Follow Your Adjustment Schedule
Your comfort improves dramatically when you attend follow-up visits. Many patients feel so good they skip them, but these visits help refine the fit as your mouth heals.
2. Keep Your Denture Clean
A clean denture prevents irritation and supports healthy tissue.
Cleaning Tips
- Brush your denture gently every day
- Soak it overnight in a denture cleanser
- Brush your gums, tongue, and palate to support circulation and good oral hygiene
3. Be Patient With the Process
Even expertly crafted dentures take time to feel natural. Most challenges improve quickly once addressed in office.
Working with a prosthodontist gives you the advantage of specialized knowledge in both function and aesthetics.
Start Your Denture Journey With Confidence
If you are ready for dentures that are designed for comfort, stability, and long-term function, schedule a consultation at Argyle Family Dental & Prosthodontics.
To book an appointment for a denture consultation at our dental office in Centennial, CO, call (303) 770-2254 or request an appointment online.
FAQ
How long does it take to get used to new dentures?
Most people adjust within 2–4 weeks. Minor discomfort is expected early on, especially as your gums adapt to the new surfaces.
Is it normal for new dentures to hurt?
Mild soreness can happen as your tissues adjust. If you develop gum irritation that does not improve, it usually means the denture needs a small adjustment.
Why do my dentures feel loose after a few days?
As swelling decreases, the denture may loosen. This happens whether you have full dentures or partial dentures, and a reline or small refinement restores stability.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
It is best to remove them at night to rest your gums and reduce the risk of infection.
Does denture adhesive help?
It can offer temporary support but should not replace a proper fit. Daily reliance means you need an adjustment.
Why do my dentures click when I talk
Clicking sounds usually happen when the denture is slightly loose or when your muscles are still learning how to control it. As your mouth adapts, the clicking often decreases. If it continues, the denture may need a small adjustment to improve stability.
Where can I find a prosthodontist near me for dentures
Argyle Family Dental & Prosthodontics provides complete denture care in Centennial, CO, with treatment options designed for comfort and long-term function. To book a consultation, call (303) 770-2254 or request an appointment online.
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Dr. Ava Khodakhast
Immerse yourself in the world of exquisite dental artistry crafted by Dr. Ava Khodakhast, a
distinguished prosthodontist whose journey is a testament to the fusion of science and art in
dentistry. With an unwavering commitment to elevating lives through her specialized expertise, Dr.
Khodakhast has redefined the landscape of prosthodontics, captivating hearts with her transformative
work.
Embarking on her odyssey in 2000 as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Khodakhast's passion for her
craft led her to traverse continents for knowledge. She pursued her American DDS at the esteemed
University of Missouri, Kansas
City, setting the foundation for a remarkable career. Yet, her thirst
for mastery pushed her to delve deeper. Venturing into the realm of complexity, she dedicated three
intensive years at the Medical College of Georgia, earning a master's in Oral
Biology and seamlessly
entwining it with a Residency in Prosthodontics.
Prosthodontics is the symphony of precision and creativity, where every note is a smile transformed.
Dr. Khodakhast is a virtuoso in this art, specializing in intricate cosmetic makeovers, implant
procedures, and comprehensive mouth rehabilitation. Recognized as a "Diplomate" by
the American Board of
Prosthodontics and as a "Fellow" by the American College of Prosthodontists, she soars
among the select few who define excellence in this arena. Her certification as a prosthodontist is a
testament to her rigorous education and training, making her a beacon of expertise for dental and
maxillofacial reconstruction and rehabilitation. Dentists themselves entrust their patients to her
care, a testament to her unparalleled mastery.
A luminary in academia, Dr. Khodakhast served as the assistant director of Advanced Education in
General Dentistry at the University
of Missouri in Kansas City. She also worked in private practice
at UMKC, applying the techniques and skills she taught in complicated, aesthetic case settings.
During her junior year of college, she graced India with her charitable work, a touch of humanity
that infuses her artistry with compassion.
Emanating from the core of her being is a dedication to her patient's well-being. You can rely on
her to provide unparalleled care rooted in scientific precision and artistic commitment.