New Denture Advice
When you get a new denture, there will be a period of adaptation – what we like to call the “bedding in” period. The new denture will probably feel unfamiliar, and this can feel very peculiar at first. Some patients will have no trouble at all and adapt straight away, others may take a little more time. In this blog post we aim to prepare you for that period with some useful hints and tips.
1. Getting used to your new denture/s.
For the first few weeks, your new dentures may feel odd. Please do not worry - this is normal. You will get used to your denture; it just takes time. You may not feel this way at first, but eventually your old dentures will be the ones that feels strange to you. Inserting, removing, and functioning with a new denture will always require some practice, but perseverance is the key. Minor friction can be expected initially, though this should ease as the denture beds in, much like a new pair of shoes.
We advise that you give your new dentures a full week before considering having any adjustments (unless in considerable pain).
2. Denture wear
You can wear the dentures during the day, taking them out to clean after meals. The dentures should be removed before going to bed and sorted in a container of cold water. This allows the gums and mouth to rest and promotes oral health.
If you would prefer to wear your denture overnight, as we understand this is sensitive topic to some patients, we advise taking extra care with the denture – ensuring that hygiene is maintained throughout the day. It should be noted that this can reduce the lifespan of a denture dramatically due to overnight wear. Speak to your clinician for advice.
3. Eating with your new dentures
Start with soft foods and gradually progress to more solid foods. You may need to cut your food into small portions and chew using both sides of your mouth to prevent the denture tipping. Avoid biting with your front teeth as this could cause your denture to tip at the back. It will take some getting used to, but patients are normally managing well after a week of wear.
4. Speaking with your new dentures
Your speech may be altered initially as your muscles adapt. Pronouncing certain words will require practice. However, your speech should be back to normal within a few weeks. To speed this process, reading out from a newspaper or magazine should help.
5. Cleaning your dentures
Daily cleaning of your denture is necessary to prevent a build-up of food debris, bacteria, and stains. These can cause problems with appearance, mouth odour and irritation to gums and infections.
· Brushing
Use a soft toothbrush or denture brush to clean your denture, along with denture cream soap and warm running water (avoid hot water).
Brush/rinse the denture after every meal to prevent the build-up of debris.
Please note – avoid using toothpaste as this can cause micro-abrasions which can damage the denture, which then makes it more prone to collect debris, stains, and tartar, and can also harbour bacteria.
· Soaking
You can use cleaning solutions or tablets (we highly recommend Nitradine) for soaking – this is to help keep your dentures clean, loosen and remove stains and deposits.
Soak dentures 1 or 2 times per week, for an hour.
You should avoid leaving the dentures in the solution overnight. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your dentures are uncomfortable or give you pain, especially after the bedding in period, you should see your clinician.
Never attempt to adjust the dentures yourself.
We offer 12 weeks of free aftercare to our patients following the fit of a new denture as we understand this is this main period of adapting and adjusting, but it really is different for every patient.
It is best to try and persevere with your new dentures initially as early altercations can negatively impact the fit in the long run, and these areas may then need to be backfilled.
