Post-Op Instructions for Dentures
Congratulations on your new dentures! This guide will help you adjust to them over the coming weeks or months, depending on the type of dentures, your dental history, and other factors. Even those who have worn dentures before will go through an adjustment phase with a new set. Keep in mind that dentures aren’t permanent since your mouth’s bone and soft tissue continue to change over time. Periodic adjustments and relines will be necessary to maintain their fit and comfort. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our office.
Breaking-in Period: Most new dentures require a period of adjustment before they feel comfortable. This duration varies for each person and depends on your ability, determination, and willingness to adapt. Initially, you’ll need to learn to keep the dentures in place and gradually begin using them effectively.
What to Expect: At first, it’s common to feel a little awkward with your new dentures. You might notice a slight change in your appearance, altered speech, or a feeling of fullness in your mouth. Additionally, you may experience an increase in saliva until your mouth adapts. With time, patience, and practice, your facial muscles will relax, and many of these initial concerns will fade.
Sore Spots: It’s normal to experience some soreness due to uneven pressure on the gums, especially if you’re new to dentures. Wearing the dentures for 3-6 hours before your adjustment appointment helps identify problem areas, which can be addressed through trimming.
Speaking: Speaking clearly with new dentures takes practice and patience. Reading aloud is an excellent way to improve pronunciation, particularly for any unclear sounds. Try to avoid unnecessary lip or tongue movements that could dislodge the dentures or cause them to click. With consistent practice, your speech will return to normal.
Eating: Begin with soft foods and take small bites, chewing slowly to address any challenges as they arise. Try to distribute food evenly on both sides of your mouth and use your back teeth for chewing. When biting into foods that typically require the front teeth, like apples or corn on the cob, press backward against the dentures while closing your bite. If your dentures slip out of place, switching to side teeth for biting may help. Harder foods, such as steak or carrots, will take more practice. Initially, it’s best to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods until you’re more comfortable with your dentures.
Looseness: If you’ve had teeth extracted right before getting your dentures, they may start to feel loose as your gums heal and shrink. The healing process for gums and the underlying bone can take several months. During this time, a temporary liner can be added to your dentures to improve the fit. Denture adhesives can also help keep them in place. Once healing is complete, a permanent reline will be necessary for a better fit. In some cases, creating a new denture may be required for optimal fit and function. Please note, there will be an additional charge for any future relines or replacements.
Mouth and Denture Hygiene: It’s crucial to clean your dentures after each meal using a soft brush and either a non-abrasive paste or soapy water. Avoid using harsh cleaners or bleach, as they can damage the dentures. Food particles trapped under the dentures can lead to gum irritation and sore spots. After eating, remove your dentures and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash when possible.
If you’ve had teeth removed before getting your dentures, it’s recommended to wear them continuously for the first 48 hours, removing them only for cleaning. This helps the dentures act as a bandage and promotes healing.
Make sure to remove your dentures for at least 6 hours each day, usually while sleeping, to give your gums time to rest. During this time, clean your dentures and store them in water to prevent drying and warping. Once a week, soak them in an enzymatic or specialized denture cleaning solution to remove stubborn stains and proteins.
Additionally, brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue daily to prevent food buildup and to massage and stimulate these tissues, reducing the risk of inflammation and soreness.
Breakage: Dentures are made from acrylic and can easily break if dropped or mishandled. Never wrap them in tissue or place them loosely in a pocket or purse. When leaving the house, always store your dentures in a protective case if you need to remove them briefly. At home, keep them submerged in water to prevent warping.
Regular Exams: It’s important to have your dentures checked at least once a year. Over time, natural changes like bone loss and wear on the denture teeth can affect the fit. If the gums or bone change significantly, your dentures may need to be adjusted, relined, or replaced. Proper maintenance of both your dentures and the supporting tissues will help slow these changes and prolong their lifespan.