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All About Dentures

Getting Used to New Dentures

Your journey to comfort and confidence

Adjusting to new dentures can take time and patience. This guide outlines what you may experience at each stage, along with practical tips that may help during the adjustment period. Please bring any concerns to your next appointment.

First 24 Hours(Day 1)

What to Expect

  • Your dentures may feel bulky or unfamiliar at first
  • You may notice increased saliva production
  • Speaking may feel different
  • Your mouth needs time to adjust to the new fit

Tips for Success

  • Wear your dentures as advised by your dental prosthetist to support adjustment
  • Practice speaking by reading aloud
  • Start with soft foods cut into small pieces
  • Follow your dental prosthetist's instructions regarding sleeping with your dentures, particularly on the first night
Important: Some initial discomfort is common, but sharp pain is not typical. Contact your dental prosthetist if you experience severe pain or bleeding

First Week(Days 2–7)

What to Expect

  • Speaking may become easier with practice
  • Eating soft foods may become more comfortable
  • Saliva production often settles
  • Minor sore spots may develop

Tips for Success

  • Gradually introduce more varied foods
  • Practice biting and chewing on both sides of your mouth
  • Warm salt water rinses may help soothe tender areas
  • Continue practising speech exercises
  • Dentures are often removed at night unless your dental prosthetist has advised otherwise
Important: Persistent sore spots may require review. Avoid attempting to adjust dentures yourself. Contact your dental prosthetist if concerns continue

First Month(Weeks 2–4)

What to Expect

  • Eating a wider range of foods may become more comfortable
  • Speech may improve
  • Dentures may feel more familiar
  • A cleaning routine is usually established

Tips for Success

  • Introduce more challenging foods gradually
  • Cut food into manageable pieces
  • Chew evenly on both sides to reduce denture movement
  • Build confidence in social situations at your own pace
  • Schedule a follow-up appointment if adjustments are needed
Important: Hard or sticky foods may still be difficult at this stage. If discomfort continues, review with your dental prosthetist

Long-Term Success(Beyond 1 Month)

What to Expect

  • Dentures may feel more familiar over time
  • Eating a range of foods may become easier
  • Speech may feel more natural
  • Daily care becomes part of your routine

Tips for Success

  • Attend regular check-ups as recommended
  • Dentures may require relining or replacement over time, depending on changes in fit and wear
  • Maintain good oral hygiene practices
  • Be aware that gum tissues can change over time
  • Seek review if you notice changes in fit
Important: Dentures that feel loose may be related to changes in your gums. Sleeping with dentures should follow your dental prosthetist's advice

Common Challenges & Solutions

Difficulty Speaking

Practise reading aloud daily. Start slowly and increase speed as you become more comfortable. Sounds such as 's', 'f', and 'th' may take time to adjust to.

Increased Saliva

This is often temporary while your mouth adjusts. Swallowing more frequently may help manage excess saliva.

Gagging Sensation

Practise breathing through your nose. If it continues, your dentures may require adjustment. Contact your dental prosthetist.

Food Getting Under Dentures

This can be common during early adjustment. Rinse your mouth after eating and chew evenly on both sides. Review may be helpful if the issue persists.

Everyone's adjustment period is different. If you are experiencing ongoing discomfort or difficulty, contacting your dental prosthetist may be helpful.

All About Dentures

16 South Street, Ipswich Q 4305  |  (07) 3282 9018  |  allaboutdentures.com.au