Adjusting to dentures for the first time can be a big change, especially if you’re conscious about the impact it may have on your mouth. During the first few days or weeks, it may take some getting used to, but this is a common experience amongst many new denture wearers.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect during your first day and week with dentures, share tips to help you adjust, and offer practical advice for getting used to dentures quickly.
New dentures: what to expect
If you’re new to dentures, it’s important to understand that adjusting to them is a gradual process. At first, the dentures might feel foreign or uncomfortable, but these sensations are completely normal as your mouth adapts. Here’s what you can expect during the early stages, looking specifically at the early stages:
First day with dentures
Your first day with dentures can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help ease the transition. Here are some things you may experience:
- Strange sensation – It’s completely normal for dentures to feel strange or bulky when you first wear them. Your mouth is adjusting to the new presence of the dentures, and it may feel like you have a foreign object in your mouth.
- Mild discomfort – On day one, you may feel some mild soreness or pressure, especially around your gums. This is due to the dentures settling into place, and it’s a normal part of the adjustment process.
- Speaking challenges – You might notice that speaking feels different or awkward, and some words may be harder to pronounce. This is a temporary issue as your tongue and muscles get used to the dentures.
- Difficulty chewing – Eating on the first day with dentures will likely require some extra effort. Stick to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, or yoghurt to avoid putting too much pressure on your gums.
- Increased saliva – Your body may respond to your new dentures by producing more saliva than usual. Whilst this can feel strange, it’s a normal reaction, and your saliva levels will return to normal within a few days.
First week with dentures
Whilst the initial sensations of discomfort and awkwardness may persist, the first week is when you begin to “break in” your dentures. Here’s what you can expect and how to handle it:
- Improved comfort – By the end of the first week, the initial soreness and discomfort should start to ease as your gums adjust to the fit of the dentures. However, if the pain worsens or doesn’t improve, contact your clinical dental technician to make sure the fit is right.
- Managing loose dentures – If your dentures feel loose during the first week, it’s likely because your mouth is still adjusting to their presence. However, if the looseness persists or the dentures feel uncomfortable, speak to your dental technician.
- Gum soreness – Your gums may still feel tender by the end of the first week, but regular care is crucial to promote healing and comfort. Be sure to follow the recommended cleaning instructions, gently removing your dentures to clean both your gums and the dentures themselves.
- Your confidence will grow – The first week is about patience and practice. You’ll likely find that each day gets a little easier as you become more accustomed to wearing and caring for your dentures. Remember, everyone’s adjustment period is different, but your confidence will grow with time.
How to get used to dentures fast
Whilst getting used to dentures takes time, there are some steps you can take to speed up the adjustment process. If you’re eager to get comfortable with your new dentures quickly, here are three key tips to help you adapt faster:
1. Practice talking out loud
One of the biggest challenges with new dentures is speaking clearly. The more you practise, the quicker your mouth will adapt. Try reading aloud or having conversations with friends or family. This helps retrain your muscles and tongue to work with the dentures, making speech adjustments easier and faster.
2. Eat soft foods and chew slowly
During the first few days, sticking to soft foods will ease the pressure on your gums. As you get more comfortable, gradually introduce firmer foods. Always chew slowly and on both sides of your mouth to avoid denture slippage. Taking it slow and steady helps you regain confidence with eating faster.
3. Wear your dentures consistently
We would normally recommend wearing your dentures during the day. If they feel uncomfortable or cause sore spots or ulcers we recommend removing as needed and rinsing with a salt water wash. Using bonjela on the sore areas or ulcers will numb these areas and allow you to continue wearing the dentures.
Whilst some rubbing is normal at first, if it persists or causes ulcers, this indicates that the dentures need adjusting and is best to attend a review appointment for this. We do not recommend just “pushing through” as this can cause further issues and take longer for things to heal and settle.
Speak to the experts
Getting used to dentures is a gradual process that requires time, patience, and the right guidance. Whilst the adjustment period may come with some challenges, having high-quality dentures and professional support makes all the difference.
With years of experience, The Denture Shop is dedicated to crafting dentures that fit comfortably, look natural, and stand the test of time. As a family-run business, we take great pride in providing expert denture care and repairs for customers in and around West Sussex.
Contact us today to arrange your initial consultation at our Horsham or Worthing branch, and let us help you achieve a comfortable and confident smile.
