- UPPER DENTURE FIT – Your new partial/complete denture may initially feel awkward or bulky. This is an entirely normal part of the adjustment process, and you will eventually become accustomed to wearing your new dentures. Initially, you may be asked to wear your dentures at all times. While this may be uncomfortable initially, it’s the quickest way to identify areas needing adjustments.
- LOWER DENTURE FIT – Unlike upper dentures, which have the entire roof (your palate) of the mouth to provide retention, your lower denture relies only on your jaw, tongue, and gravity to keep it in place due to the space of the tongue limiting the surface area to which the denture can rest – meaning lower dentures are less retentive without natural teeth or implants for support. Therefore, an implant-supported lower denture is recommended if restoring your natural teeth as anchors is not an option. However, if this is not a viable option, denture adhesives may be necessary to keep the lower denture in place, minimizing rocking, shifting, and dislodging during function.
- GAGGING – You may sometimes experience a gagging sensation from your new denture. This is a common occurrence that typically resolves within about two weeks.
- DENTURE TEETH – Since complete dentures rely on soft tissue for support (not teeth or bone), there are limitations to the capability and function of the denture teeth. The front teeth are used more for esthetics and speech than for chewing. If you have both an upper and lower complete denture, we recommend using your back denture teeth only for chewing (refer to the Diet section for details). Attempting to use the front teeth of your denture to bite a bagel, for example, may dislodge the dentures from your mouth as they are not anchored to anything other than soft tissue, which is why they will move when too much pressure is applied in the front rather than the back.
- SORE SPOTS – If a denture puts too much pressure on one area, that spot will become sore. Your Denturist, a dental professional specializing in the design, construction, fitting, and adjustment of dentures, will adjust the denture to ensure a more comfortable fit. After making adjustments, your Denturist might recommend removing the denture from the mouth before going to bed and replacing it in the morning.
- DIET – Denture teeth differ from your natural teeth. Dentures rest on your gums (soft tissue) rather than being anchored to your jaw (hard tissue). Natural teeth are estimated to withstand 6x or more chewing force than denture teeth. As a result, the chewing function is significantly diminished compared to natural teeth. Eat soft foods such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Cut foods into small pieces before placing them on the back of your denture teeth for chewing. Attempting to use the front teeth on a denture may result in it being dislodged from the mouth. Avoid sticky, crunchy, and hard foods such as caramel and gum. Always rinse the denture after a meal.
- SPEECH – You might find pronouncing certain words difficult, practicing singing them, or reading out loud. Repeat the words that you are having trouble with. With time, you will become accustomed to speaking and enunciating correctly with your denture.
- RELINE – Over time, the shape of your gums and jaw naturally changes—especially after tooth loss. This can cause your dentures to feel loose or less comfortable. A reline is a common and essential adjustment in which the inner surface of your denture is reshaped to fit the current contours of your mouth better. This helps restore comfort, improve fit, and maintain proper function. Relines are typically needed every 2-3 years, but frequency can vary depending on individual changes. If your dentures feel unstable, cause sore spots, or require frequent adhesives, it may be time for a reline. This is a separate procedure from the fabrication of your dentures and is not included in the original estimate.
- REPLACEMENT – Dentures don’t last forever. On average, dentures need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years due to natural wear and changes in the shape of your mouth over time. Even with regular relines and adjustments, dentures can become worn, stained, or ill-fitting, which may affect your ability to chew, speak clearly, or feel confident. Signs you may need a replacement include persistent discomfort, frequent slipping, visible cracks or wear, or changes in your facial appearance. Regular dental check-ups will help determine the right time to replace your dentures for optimal comfort and function
For more information, call our office at 613-735-4034.
HOME CARE – It is best to remove dentures when going to sleep. Massage and brush your gums with a soft toothbrush every night to improve blood circulation after wearing your denture during the day. Clean your dentures every day to prevent them from staining. A denture could warp and lose its proper shape if not kept moist. Store them in a case with a few drops of water to keep them moist. Clean it with dishwashing soap and a denture brush, a brush specifically designed for cleaning dentures. Do not use toothpaste. After brushing the dentures, they can be soaked overnight in a dedicated chemical cleaner. We recommend Novadent for the best results.
ADJUSTMENTS, RELINE, AND REPLACEMENT –
Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. Your mouth naturally changes with age, which can affect how well the denture fits. Your bone and gum ridges will shrink or recede, resulting in a denture that does not fit properly. For newer dentures, adjustments and relines typically help. Please note that, like most appliances, dentures may need to be replaced periodically as your body changes.
We offer free adjustment for the first three months.
Your Denturist will need to adjust your dentures if they do not fit properly. Poorly fitting dentures can cause various problems, including sores and infections. It is essential to see your Denturist promptly if your denture becomes loose and to maintain regular visits as well.
Remember: Trying to adjust or repair your denture at home can harm your denture and your health. Using a do-it-yourself kit can cause irreparable damage to the denture. Over-the-counter glues often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture. Instead, call your Denturist immediately if your denture cracks, breaks, or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose. Denturists aim to make the necessary adjustments or repairs on the same day. More complex repairs may require the denture to be sent to a unique dental laboratory or will need to be replaced.
