Your Guide to the First 30 Days With Dentures

How long is the adjustment period for new dentures? Replacing lost or missing teeth with dentures will benefit your appearance and oral health. But, while they are an effective way to restore your natural smile, getting used to the feel of dentures in your mouth takes some time.

In Canada, the percentage of adults with no natural teeth has plummeted to 6.4 percent from 23.6 percent. But you probably know many people who wear fixed bridges or partial and complete dentures and use adhesive to help them stay in place. Regardless of the type of dentures, adjusting to these things requires time and patience.

Whether you or a friend plan on getting new dentures, knowing what to expect can help the transition. Here\’s a guide to help the first 30 days with dentures go smoothly.

What Are Dentures, and Why Does Adjustment Matter?

As a removable oral appliance, a denture is used to replace lost and missing natural teeth, whether caused by gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. Although they resemble your original teeth, wearing and using new dentures feels different. 

Getting a denture for the first time is a long process, especially if it involves a tooth extraction for dentures and recovery time. Your dentist may immediately give you temporary dentures if you\’ve had teeth removed because of gum disease or decay. Such dentures will help your mouth go through the changes and ease the recovery period.

But replacing your temporary dentures with a permanent set takes time. Typically, it takes around 3–6 months after tooth extraction for permanent dentures to be ready for initial fitting. Depending on your needs, you may be fitted with one of the following types of dentures:

• Fixed Partial Dentures: This is a dental restoration used to fill in gaps caused by single and multiple missing teeth. Attached to the adjacent teeth using crowns, fixed partial dentures, or dental bridges are non-removable by patients.

• Partial Dentures: A set of partial dentures usually comprises a removable replacement for any missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They can be attached to the original healthy teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments.

• Complete Dentures: These removable dentures are used as a replacement when all the natural teeth are lost. As opposed to dental bridges attached to existing teeth, full dentures sit on top of the gums.

• Dental Implants: Implant-supported dentures use a dental implant to support false teeth or a fixed bridge securely. High-quality denture implants provide a better solid foundation and stability than traditional dentures. But since this is considered replacement tooth roots, healthy gums and teeth bones are crucial to sustaining the implant.

Adjusting to New Dentures

Wearing new dentures for the first time may feel strange and uncomfortable. You may experience minor irritation or a temporary increase in your saliva flow. But, once the initial days are over, you\’ll start to feel more accustomed to them, and the discomfort often goes away.

Getting used to dentures may take a few weeks. And practicing some patience and adhering to the dentist\’s aftercare instructions will help alleviate the adjustment period. Note that loose or ill-fitting dentures can lead to several problems, such as sores or infections. If dentures don\’t fit correctly or have become loose, they should be adjusted by your dentist.

The First 30 Days With Dentures

Welcoming your new smile with dentures would probably entail a lot of adjustments and preparations. Manage your expectations for dentures to get through the adjustment period faster.

While adjusting to new dentures, here are what denture wearers may experience during the first 30 days:

First 24 hours

You can wear immediate dentures immediately after tooth extraction. While the extraction sites heal, you may need to take pain relievers and antibiotics. You must leave the dentures in your mouth for 24 hours, including when you sleep. Removing the dentures won\’t alleviate the pain experienced due to tooth extraction. They can act as a bandage on the first day.

First Week

During the first week, there may be increasing discomfort and sore spots. You may also feel like you\’re producing more saliva than usual. This is why it\’s recommended to eat soft foods like ice cream, macaroni, and mashed potatoes. Since they\’re gentle on your gums, they can make getting used to the feeling of your dentures easier.

Second Week

After a week, you may notice fewer sore spots in your mouth. Continue eating soft foods and practice speaking with your new dentures. If you\’re comfortable progressing to other foods, take small bites and chew with both sides of your false teeth.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, since it may also help with a slight soreness. If it persists, talk to your dentist and check the fit of your dentures and whether it needs an adjustment.

Third Week

Talking and eating with your false teeth will get easier after a couple of weeks. During this adjustment period, the excessive salivation you may have experienced in the first few weeks should subside. You can also now use a denture adhesive to improve the feel and fit of your dentures. This might be a great time to reintroduce solid foods in small chunks.

Fourth Week

During the 30-day mark with your new dentures, you should be able to talk naturally, eat most foods with ease and enjoy your favourite activities. However, if your teeth have been extracted recently, you can expect a more extended adjustment period. Schedule regular visits to your dentist to check the fit of your dentures.

Tips and Reminders for the First 30 Days With Dentures

Similar to caring for your natural teeth, new dentures also need dental care. In addition to a proper oral hygiene routine, here are some tips and reminders for your first 30 days with dentures.

1. Give It Time

You might be keen to return to your everyday life as quickly as possible after getting new dentures. But give yourself at least 30 days to adjust to your false teeth and get comfortable with your new smile. Pay your dentist a visit or a call if the discomfort or soreness doesn\’t subside within this period.

2. Be Mindful of What You Eat

Learning to eat with new dentures is one of the things you need to adjust to. It may be a good idea to go for soups, smoothies, or other liquefied foods during the first few days. Be careful in consuming hot dishes. Dentures can insulate your mouth, making it hard to sense your food\’s temperature.

When transitioning to solid foods, eat them in smaller pieces. Remember to chew carefully and use both sides of your mouth equally to prevent the dentures from slipping out of place. If you\’re eating fruits, eat them in bite-sized pieces instead of biting into them directly.

 3. Clean Properly

Proper denture care is also crucial. Just like on natural teeth, plaque can build up on your dentures. If you\’re wearing full dentures, brush your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush twice daily.

Ensure to clean your dentures after eating and remove them every night. When you\’re not wearing them, submerge your dentures in water. Note that regular toothpaste is too abrasive and not recommended for dentures. There are specific materials intended to use for cleaning false teeth.

Get Your Dentures Made at Koster Denture Clinic

The soft tissues in your mouth need enough time to adapt to new dentures. Thus, it\’s normal to feel awkward for the first time. But, as time passes, you\’ll eventually wear your dentures like a pro.

 Are you considering restoring your smile with a comfortable fit of dentures in Winnipeg? Visit Koster Denture Clinic today for a free consultation. We provide not only the most natural-looking denture but also affordable, personalized, and compassionate denture care.

Schedule a free consultation appointment with our team of dentists at Koster Denture Clinic before having your dentures made. We would gladly provide assistance and respond to any questions you may have about your dentures and the adjustment process.

FAQs on the First 30 Days of Dentures

1. When is it safe to eat solid or harder foods after getting dentures?

You can reintroduce solid foods once your mouth starts to get comfortable with your dentures. Typically, it may take 3–4 weeks before it\’s safe to eat solid or harder foods after getting dentures. But ensure to start slowly with bite-sized pieces and easy-to-chew foods.

2. Should wearing temporary dentures feel painful?

You may feel pain wearing temporary dentures after having your teeth extracted. But painkillers will help alleviate the pain and make you feel comfortable during the early stages of the healing period.

3. Is it ok to adjust your own dentures?

Avoid making adjustments to your dentures on your own. Adjusting your dentures at home can cause false teeth to break. If you\’re dealing with any issues with your dentures, have them adjusted by your dentist.