Getting used to your new dentures may take some time particularly if you haven’t worn a denture before. Each person is an individual and some people will need more time for your dentures to feel they are a part of your body. Initially they may feel quite a “mouthful” and you may find you produce more saliva in response to the new prostheses in your mouth. This will settle. Your speech may be affected with some slurring and mispronunciation of sounds, but rest assured that your tongue and lips will adapt to their new environment. Try practicing by reading or talking aloud. Efficient eating will come with time. When you start to eat on your new teeth try softer smaller bites of food to avoid biting your tongue, lips and cheeks. Learning to use your dentures will take time and patience.
Ulcers are not uncommon while your mouth adjusts to new dentures. Please call the surgery to have your denture adjusted. If wearing your denture is too painful remove it to allow the area some healing time but start wearing your denture again a few hours prior to your appointment so the area that needs adjusting can be seen.
Night time – remove your dentures at night. They can be stored in a special case (out of harms way) overnight. Leaving your dentures in 24 hours a day can contribute to dental decay and gum problems.
Cleaning – dentures can be slippery so be careful not to drop them while cleaning. It is recommended you clean them over a towel or a sink half filled with water to prevent dropping and breaking them. Denture cleansers or mild soap can be used to clean your denture along with a soft or denture toothbrush. Do not use hot water as this may damage the acrylic.
Natural teeth - If you wear a partial denture ensure you remove your denture at least twice a day to clean your natural teeth. Your tongue and gums can be brushed with a soft toothbrush and non-alcoholic antibacterial mouth rinse can be used to aid with gum health (ie. Colgate plax)
Denture long term maintenance – if your denture is becoming loose (falls out when eating or speaking) or breaks please call the surgery for assistance. If your denture is wearing out it may be time for a new one or alternatively a reline can be considered.
Immediate dentures – leave your denture in for the first 24 hours after your teeth are extracted until you attend the surgery for your review appointment. Your denture protects the healing sockets and if you remove it too early swelling may prevent you from being able to put it back in place. Maintain a soft, nutritious diet while your sockets are healing to minimise the chance of ulceration while you are getting used to the new denture. 3-6 months after your teeth are removed a reline is likely to be needed to correct the fit of the denture once healing has taken place. Denture adhesives (polydent) may need to be used during this time for retention but are not a good long term solution for a loose denture.