Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Dentures?

Getting used to new dentures can take several days or a few weeks. At first, they may feel bulky or different when you eat, speak, swallow, or move your tongue.

Minor soreness can also happen while your gums adjust. Follow-up visits allow your dentist to make adjustments if needed. If your dentures repeatedly cause pain or sore spots, contact your dentist rather than trying to adjust them yourself.

Can You Eat Normally With Dentures?

Yes, many people can eat a wide variety of foods with dentures, but it can take some practice.

When dentures are new, start with softer foods such as eggs, pasta, yogurt, fish, soft vegetables, and foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly and try using both sides of your mouth.

As you become more comfortable, you can gradually add other foods. Very hard or sticky foods may still be more difficult to eat.

Will Dentures Affect My Speech?

Your speech may sound slightly different when you first start wearing dentures.

Your tongue and mouth need time to adjust to their new shape. Reading aloud or practicing commonly used words can help.

For many patients, speaking becomes easier as they get used to their dentures.

Do Dentures Look Natural?

Dentures are designed to resemble natural teeth and gums.

The size, shape, position, and color of the replacement teeth can be chosen to complement your face and smile.

Results vary from person to person, so your dentist can discuss what you can realistically expect before your dentures are made.

Do Dentures Hurt?

Dentures should not cause ongoing pain when they fit properly, although some temporary soreness can happen when you first begin wearing them.

Your gums may need time to adjust, especially if teeth were recently removed.

Contact your dentist if you have persistent pain, bleeding, significant sores, frequent slipping, or difficulty chewing that does not improve.

How Do You Clean Dentures?

Dentures should be cleaned every day to remove food, plaque, and bacteria.

Good denture care may include:

• Rinsing dentures after meals
• Brushing them with a denture-safe brush
• Using a denture cleaner recommended by your dentist
• Cleaning your gums and tongue
• Brushing any remaining natural teeth
• Rinsing dentures before putting them back in your mouth

Avoid very hot water because it may affect the shape of some dentures.

Should You Sleep With Dentures In?

Many patients are advised to remove removable dentures while sleeping.

This gives the gums underneath the dentures time to rest.

Depending on the material, dentures may need to be stored in water or an appropriate denture solution overnight. Follow your dentist’s instructions for your specific dentures.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

Dentures can last for several years, but they do not last forever.

Your gums and jawbone naturally change over time, which can affect how your dentures fit.

Your dentist may eventually recommend an adjustment, reline, repair, or replacement.

Why Do Dentures Become Loose?

Dentures can become loose because the gums and jawbone change shape after teeth are lost.

Signs of a loose denture may include:

• Movement while eating
• Difficulty speaking
• Food getting underneath the denture
• Gum irritation
• Sore spots
• Needing more adhesive than before

If your dentures become loose, have them checked by a dentist.

Do I Need Denture Adhesive?

Some people use denture adhesive for additional stability.

However, adhesive should not be used to make up for dentures that no longer fit properly.

If you need more adhesive than before or your dentures move frequently, schedule an evaluation with your dentist.

Can Broken Dentures Be Repaired?

Many broken dentures can be repaired, depending on the type and location of the damage.

Do not use household glue or try to repair dentures yourself. This could damage the denture or expose your mouth to unsafe materials.

Bring the damaged denture to your dentist for evaluation.

What Is the Difference Between Dentures and Dental Implants?

Traditional dentures are removable and usually rest on the gums.

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and can support individual replacement teeth, bridges, or certain types of dentures.

Which option is best depends on factors such as your oral health, jawbone, number of missing teeth, treatment goals, overall health, and personal preferences.

What Is the Difference Between Dentures and Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is typically attached to neighboring teeth and is not removed by the patient.

A partial denture is removable and may be used when several teeth are missing.

Bridges may be appropriate when only one or a few teeth need replacement, while dentures can replace several or all missing teeth.

Do I Still Need Dental Checkups If I Have Dentures?

Yes. Regular dental visits are still important even if you have complete dentures and no natural teeth.

Your dentist can check your:

• Gums
• Tongue
• Cheeks
• Denture fit
• Bite
• Areas of irritation or unusual tissue changes

If you still have natural teeth, routine preventive care is also important for protecting them.

When Should I See a Dentist About My Dentures?

Schedule a dental visit if you notice:

• Persistent pain
• Repeated sore spots
• Loose dentures
• Cracks or broken pieces
• Difficulty chewing
• Changes in your bite
• Ongoing speech problems
• Bleeding or irritated gums
• Dentures that no longer fit properly

A change in fit is worth having checked because your gums and jaw can continue to change over time.