The "Bedding In" Period: Adjusting to New Dentures

Receiving new dentures can be both exciting and a little daunting. For many people, it signals a fresh start to eating, speaking, and smiling with renewed confidence. However, adapting to your new dentures – often called the “bedding-in” period – takes some time and patience. During this phase, both your mouth and mind will need to get used to the presence of the denture. The length of this period can vary from person to person, but understanding what to expect will help make the transition smoother.

What is the “Bedding-In” Period?

The “bedding-in” period refers to the initial phase of adjusting to your new dentures. This is when your body learns to accommodate them. For some, this adjustment may take just a few days, while for others, it may last a bit longer depending on factors such as how well the dentures fit, the shape of your mouth, and your habits.

Let’s go through some common challenges you may encounter during this period, along with helpful tips on how to manage them:

1. Changes in Speech

One of the first things you may notice with new dentures is that your speech might sound a little different. The denture can change the natural shape of your mouth, which can affect how your tongue moves and interacts with your teeth and palate. Common issues include:

• A slight lisp or trouble pronouncing certain sounds (like “s” or “th”).

• Your words may not sound as clear as before.

How to Adapt: The best way to adjust is through practice. Try reading aloud, singing, or simply engaging in conversation. This will help your tongue and mouth get used to working with the new denture. With time, your speech should return to normal.

2. Eating and Chewing

Eating with new dentures can feel quite different. You might notice that your bite doesn't feel quite the same, and food may taste or feel unfamiliar at first. Chewing can also feel less natural, and harder or sticky foods may pose a challenge.

• Chewing difficulty: It may feel like your food isn’t breaking down as easily.

• Changes in taste: Denture material can cover areas of your mouth that affect taste, temporarily dulling some flavours.

How to Adapt: Start with soft foods like mashed vegetables, yoghurt, or soups. As you grow more comfortable, you can gradually introduce more solid foods. Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly on both sides of your mouth will help balance the pressure and keep the dentures in place.

3. Discomfort and Soreness

It’s quite common to experience some discomfort or soreness in the first few weeks of wearing new dentures. This is as your gums and soft tissues adjust to the denture’s fit and pressure. Over time, your gums may change shape slightly, which can also affect how the denture fits.

How to Adapt: There are topical gels, such as KinCare, that can soothe any sore spots caused by rubbing. If the discomfort persists or if sore spots develop, contact your clinician – they can adjust the fit to ease any pressure points. In some cases, denture adhesive may also help to stabilise the denture and prevent irritation.

4. Increased Saliva Production

Some patients notice an increase in saliva production after getting new dentures. This is a natural response, as your mouth initially treats the denture like a foreign object and attempts to flush it out with extra saliva.

How to Adapt: Don’t worry – this is temporary. After a few days, your body will adjust, and saliva production will return to normal. In the meantime, swallowing more frequently and sipping water can help manage the excess saliva.

5. Psychological Adjustment

There is also a mental and emotional aspect to adjusting to dentures. You might feel self-conscious about your appearance or worry that others will notice your dentures. It’s not uncommon to feel frustrated if the adjustment process takes longer than expected.

How to Adapt: Patience is key. Give yourself time to adjust, and remember it’s perfectly normal to face a few challenges. If you’re feeling a bit self-conscious, speaking to friends or joining a support group for denture wearers can be a great way to boost your confidence and get reassurance.

Tips for a Smooth “Bedding-In” Period

Here are some practical tips to help you adapt to your new dentures more easily:

• Wear them regularly: The more you wear your dentures, the quicker your mouth will adjust. However, be sure to remove them at night to give your gums a rest.

• Stay in touch with your clinician: Keep in regular contact with your clinician during the bedding-in period. They can make necessary adjustments to ensure your dentures fit comfortably. At our clinic, we offer a 12-week aftercare period for our denture patients, which includes free adjustments.

• Consider adhesives or gels: Denture adhesives can offer extra stability, especially while eating or speaking. Although we generally recommend against using adhesives during the initial bedding-in period unless necessary, some patients find the extra security helpful. Topical gels can also help ease any discomfort as you adjust.

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Keep your dentures clean by brushing them daily and soaking them in a denture cleanser. This will prevent bacterial build-up and help avoid bad breath.

The “bedding-in” period is a natural part of getting used to new dentures. While it may feel a bit awkward or uncomfortable at first, with time your body will adapt. By being patient, following your clinician’s advice, and taking small steps, you’ll soon find your dentures become a natural part of your daily routine. Soon enough, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of speaking, eating, and smiling with complete confidence.

And remember, your clinician is there to support you throughout this process. Regular check-ups will ensure any issues are addressed promptly, helping to make your adjustment as smooth as possible.