Partial Dentures

Getting used to your dentures.

Your new dentures may feel a little odd or loose for a few weeks until the muscles of the cheeks and tongue get accustomed to keeping them in place and you get comfortable inserting and removing them. Also, it is not unusual for minor irritation or soreness to occur and for saliva flow to increase when you first start wearing dentures, but these problems will diminish as the mouth adjusts.

Dentures are made to closely resemble your natural teeth so there should be little or no noticeable change in your appearance. In fact, dentures may even help improve your smile.

Eating with new dentures will take a little practice and may seem a bit uncomfortable for a few weeks. To get used to the new dentures, start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. As you get used to new dentures, add other foods until you return to a normal diet.

Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells. And, avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you adjust to your dentures. Also, it’s best to avoid using toothpicks.

If your dentures “click” while you’re talking or you have trouble with your speech, contact our office. Dentures may occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile. You can usually reposition your dentures by gently biting down and swallowing.

Dr. Farahmand will instruct you as to how long to wear dentures and when to remove them. During the first several days, you may be asked to wear then all the time, including while you sleep. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to identify the areas on the dentures that may need adjusting. Once adjustments are made, you should remove dentures before going to sleep. This allows gum tissues to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. The denture can be put back in your mouth when you awake in the morning.

Are there alternatives to dentures?

Yes, dental implants can be used to support permanently cemented bridges, and they eliminate the need for a denture. While they generally cost more, implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth — and have become a more popular alternative. However, dental implants are not an option for everyone. Talk to Dr. Farahmand about whether or not they are right for you.