New dentures can dramatically improve your life. You can talk, eat, and smile with confidence! However, adjusting to new dentures can take some time. Let us help you with expert tips to break in your new dentures, ensuring your comfort and safety.
The latest data reveal that around 86% of seniors who suffer from tooth loss use complete dentures, and those who use partial dentures have only a few teeth missing. Thus, it’s important that seniors learn how to break in new dentures to ensure a smooth transition and prevent discomfort and difficulty eating and speaking.
Getting Started: Tips on How to Adjust to New Dentures
New dentures can initially feel uneasy, but the transition can be smooth and comfortable with the right approach. Understanding how to manage denture fit and irritation early on helps you enjoy the full benefits of your new smile.
Start Slow
Overcoming denture discomfort should start slowly to help you ease into the process. Here are some ways to adjust.
- Wear your dentures 1 to 2 hours at a time for the first few days.
- Increase wear time gradually as your gums become more used to it.
- Take breaks throughout the day to rest your mouth.
- Monitor for sore spots or discomfort, as these sections may need to be adjusted.
Gradual Increase
As days go by, you will get used to your new dentures. Gradually increase the time you wear them every day. This can help your mouth adapt comfortably, reducing soreness or irritation and achieving a proper new denture fit.
Wear Them While Eating Soft Foods
Wear your dentures as you eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, or scrambled eggs. Soft foods reduce stress on your gums and help you adjust comfortably to your new set of teeth. Avoid sticky, hot, or hard foods that irritate or shift your dentures.
Have persistent discomfort with your new dentures? Contact Aesthetic Dental Clinic for a fitting adjustment today.
Breaking Them In: How to Handle Common Denture Challenges
The following comfort tips for new dentures can help address common challenges. Follow these closely to confidently ease into using your new dentures daily.
Soreness and Irritation
From 2017 to 2018, around 29.1% of seniors felt discomfort with their new dentures. However, it is normal to experience some soreness or irritation during the first few days or weeks. Discomfort lessens over time as your mouth becomes used to the new fit. But if soreness remains or becomes intense, you must return your dentures for adjustments.
How to Deal with Irritation
Irritation is common when adjusting to new dentures and often lessens over time. Here are denture adjustment tips to alleviate discomfort while breaking in your new false teeth.
- Use a saltwater rinse to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Apply over-the-counter soothing oral gels to relieve pain and discomfort.
- Make sure dentures are not too tight or ill-fitting. This worsens irritation.
If irritation persists, take your dentures back for some adjustments.
Gagging or Feeling Overwhelmed
Another common issue with new dentures is experiencing a gagging sensation or feeling overwhelmed. These often happen during nighttime, which can be very uncomfortable. These tips can help:
- Wear your dentures briefly during the day to get used to the feeling.
- Practice breathing exercises to relax and reduce your gag reflex.
- Gradually increase wear time as you start to become more comfortable.
- Consult your dentist for possible adjustments if these issues persist.
Experiencing irritation or discomfort? Let us find the perfect fit for you. Contact Aesthetic Dental Clinic to book a consultation.
Fine-Tuning the Fit: Knowing When to Seek a Denture Adjustment
Dentures must fit well so you can talk and eat properly. Ill-fitting or misaligned dentures can hurt your gums and cause more issues. Consult Aesthetic Dental Clinic to ensure the best fit.
Importance of Proper Fit
Well-fitted dentures ensure comfort and function, letting you eat, speak, and smile with confidence. However, due to changes in your gums and jaw, your dentures can shift slightly over time. Therefore, you need to take them back for regular adjustments.
When to Seek an Adjustment
Have your dentures adjusted if you’re experiencing discomfort or issues that affect your daily life? Here are signs that denture adjustments may be needed:
- Experiencing persistent pain or soreness.
- Slipping or movement of your dentures when you eat or talk.
- Problems with chewing or pain when biting or eating.
- Irritation or developing sores that do not heal.
What Happens During a Denture Adjustment
Denture adjustment is a simple process that ensures your new false teeth fit comfortably and function well. At Aesthetic Dental Clinic, we make minor adjustments to improve fit, a normal part of the denture process.
- Assess the fit and make small adjustments to specific areas that cause discomfort.
- Minor reshaping or realignment to ensure a comfortable fit and function.
- Small adjustments to provide optimal comfort.
- Regular adjustments to ensure dentures are in the best condition for long-term use.
Long-Term Care: Essential Denture Maintenance Tips
Caring for dentures properly ensures they remain comfortable and functional for years. Denture cleaning and maintenance are keys to preserving their fit and appearance.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Maintaining a daily cleaning routine keeps your dentures fresh and in perfect condition. Regular cleaning avoids plaque build-up and odour. Here are practical denture care tips for seniors:
- Use a denture brush and mild soap to clean your dentures after eating.
- Soak them overnight in denture cleaner or plain water to keep them moist and avoid warping.
- Rinse dentures well before wearing them to remove the cleaning solution and any debris.
- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive products to clean your dentures.
Handling and Storing Your Dentures
Proper handling and storage keep your dentures in good condition and prevent damage. Always handle them carefully and keep them in a denture case with water or cleaner to avoid warping.
Regular Checkups
You need to visit your dentist for regular denture checks and alignment. As mentioned, your gums and jaw change shape as you age, which can cause dentures to shift. Regular checkups ensure your dentures fit well so you can eat, talk, and smile confidently.
Expert care will keep your dentures in tip-top shape! Book a consultation at Aesthetic Dental Clinic today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get used to new dentures?
It takes a few weeks to months to adjust to new dentures fully.
2. What should I do if my dentures feel loose?
Consult your dentist to adjust your dentures if they feel loose or ill-fitting.
3. Can I wear my dentures while I sleep?
It is recommended that you remove your dentures while you sleep to rest your gums and prevent damage.
4. Why do my dentures feel tight after wearing them for a while?
Your dentures may feel tight after wearing them for a while because of the changes in your gums. These changes can cause your dentures to fit comfortably longer.
5. What should I do if I experience pain or soreness with my new dentures?
If your new false teeth cause pain or soreness, consult your dentist for an adjustment. This ensures proper fit and addresses any irritation or pain.
