What to Do to Adjust to Dentures – A Complete Guide with Practical Solutions

Adjusting to dentures takes time, as your body needs to adapt to a foreign object in the mouth. Your gums, tongue, and oral muscles must get used to the shape, size, and feel of the denture. This adjustment may initially cause discomfort, minor sores, or even difficulty speaking or eating.

At the beginning of this period, it is important to be patient and follow care instructions, as maintaining proper oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, and visiting your dentist for accurate adjustments can help speed up and ease the adaptation process. In this article, we provide complete information about what to do to adjust to dentures.

 

What to Do to Adjust to Dentures

When dentures don’t fit well in the mouth or feel loose, certain professional methods can help improve their stability and comfort. In response to the question, “What to do to adjust to dentures,” options such as relining, using denture adhesive, dental implants, and gum massage can be considered. Below, we provide solutions that answer your question: “What to do to adjust to dentures?”

 

 

Relining Dentures

Over time, the gums and jawbone change shape, which can cause dentures to no longer fit properly. In this case, a dentist can reline the inner surface of the denture with special materials to reshape it according to the new contour of the gums. This process significantly improves the comfort and stability of the dentures in your mouth. For more information on this topic, you can visit the article Gum Bone After Tooth Extraction: How to Prevent Gum Recession.

 

 

Using Denture Adhesive

Special denture adhesives can be helpful when dentures feel loose or haven’t settled properly yet. These adhesives help keep the denture in place and provide a greater sense of comfort. However, the use of such adhesives should be temporary and not a permanent substitute for professional adjustment by a dentist.

 

 

Enhancing Denture Stability with Dental Implants

For individuals who have trouble with removable dentures or are looking for a permanent solution, implant-supported dentures can be a suitable option. In this method, several implant posts are placed in the jaw, and the dentures are fitted onto them.

This not only provides excellent stability and strength for the dentures but also improves chewing and speaking, boosting the individual’s confidence.For more information on this topic, you can visit the article "A Complete Introduction to Different Types of Dental Implants."

 

 

Massaging the Gums to Help Adjust to Dentures

Massaging the gums to help adjust to dentures is an effective method for easing the adaptation process and reducing discomfort. In the early days of wearing dentures, the gums may be under pressure, leading to pain or swelling. In such cases, gentle gum massage can improve blood circulation in the area and help reduce inflammation and pain.

Additionally, gum massage strengthens and accelerates the process of adapting to dentures. To do this, use clean fingers to gently rub your gums in slow, circular motions. Performing this massage several times a day for a few minutes can help reduce discomfort and speed up the adjustment to dentures.

 

 

Why Don’t Dentures Fit Properly?

After answering the question “What to do to adjust to dentures,” it’s time to understand why dentures don’t fit properly. The answer is that adjusting to dentures is a time-consuming process that not only depends on the technical skill of the denture maker but also requires the patient’s cooperation and patience. Below are the main reasons why dentures may not fit well:

• Changes in the gums and jawbone: After natural teeth are extracted, the jawbone gradually shrinks, and the gums also change shape. These changes can cause dentures to no longer fit the gums and teeth properly over time.
• Inaccurate denture design: If the impression of the teeth is not taken correctly or if the denture is not crafted with enough precision, the result may be looseness or unnatural pressure from the denture. An inaccurately designed denture may also cause sores in the mouth.
• Initial lack of adaptation to the mouth: Your body needs time to adjust to a foreign object. Even a well-designed denture may feel uncomfortable in the early days. This feeling continues until your muscles, gums, and tongue get used to the denture.
• Improper use or poor maintenance: If dentures are not cleaned properly or not removed correctly, they may become deformed, cracked, or lose their grip. Improper use or poor hygiene can directly affect how well the dentures fit in your mouth.
• Reduced saliva production: Saliva plays an important role in creating suction between the dentures and gums. Therefore, if the mouth is dry, the dentures may not fit properly.

 

 

How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Dentures?

Typically, the adjustment period for dentures takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks; however, this timeframe can vary depending on different factors. Elements such as the initial condition of the mouth and gums, the type of denture, the experience and precision of the dentist in crafting and adjusting the denture, and how well you care for them after placement all play a significant role in determining how long it takes to adjust to dentures.

Generally speaking, if the gums or jawbone have significantly changed after tooth extraction, the adaptation process may take longer.

In addition, some people quickly get used to their dentures, while for others, this process may take several weeks to a month. If this period becomes prolonged, we recommend visiting your dentist for more precise adjustments. Below is an estimated timeline for full adaptation to dentures:

 

Is the Denture Adjustment Period Different for Each Person?

As mentioned earlier, the time it takes to adjust to dentures varies from person to person. This variation depends on several important factors, one of the most significant being the condition of each individual’s mouth and gums. Some people may have healthy gums and stronger jawbones, which can help the dentures fit more quickly and comfortably.

In addition, the dentist’s experience and skill in crafting and adjusting the dentures play a major role in this process. Individuals who follow proper oral care and hygiene practices can also adapt to their dentures more quickly. Other factors such as age, overall health, and how long it takes the body to get used to a foreign object in the mouth all affect the adjustment period.

For this reason, the time it takes to adjust to dentures is unique for each person and may range from a few days to several weeks.

 

 

What Problems Might Occur During the Denture Adjustment Period?

You may be wondering what to do to adjust to dentures and what challenges you might face along the way. It’s completely normal for patients to experience some issues or discomfort during the adjustment period.

These problems are especially common in the first few days or weeks and are usually temporary. With time and proper adjustments by your dentist, most of them can be resolved. Below, we review some common issues that may arise:

• Pain and discomfort: In the early days, the gums may become irritated or sore in areas where they come into contact with the denture. This pain typically subsides after a few days, but if it persists, it’s best to consult your dentist.
• Gum sores: Excessive friction or pressure from the denture on the gums may cause small sores to develop.
• Difficulty speaking: At first, it may be challenging to pronounce certain sounds, such as “sh” or “s.”
• Difficulty eating: Chewing hard, sticky, or hot foods may cause pain or discomfort.
• Loose-fitting dentures: You may feel like your new dentures are loose. This issue usually continues until the muscles in your mouth adapt to the dentures.

 

 

How to Get Used to Dentures

Getting used to dentures during the first few days can be challenging for many people. However, by following the right tips and being patient, you can go through this process successfully. Below, we provide guidance on getting used to chewing and speaking with dentures during the initial adjustment period.

 

 

Getting Used to Chewing with Dentures

In the early days, chewing food with dentures can be difficult and sometimes painful. At first, the dentures may not fully align with the gums, which can cause discomfort. To make this process easier, it’s best to start with soft, easy-to-digest foods.

Examples include soups, purees, and eggs. During the initial period, avoid eating hard or sticky foods, and gradually move on to items that require more chewing. As your gums adapt to the dentures over time, chewing will become easier and more comfortable. Also, avoid taking large bites and chewing quickly, as this can help keep the dentures stable in your mouth.

 

 

Getting Used to Speaking with Dentures

Pronouncing letters and speaking with dentures may be difficult at first. This happens because dentures fill the empty space in the mouth and change how the tongue moves. Initially, you may find it hard to pronounce certain letters and sounds.

To get used to speaking with dentures, we recommend speaking out loud more often during the first few days and practicing simple sentences. Talking out loud and practicing in front of a mirror can help you feel more comfortable and gradually gain better control over pronunciation.

 

 

What Causes Dentures to Become Loose?

Typically, dentures can become loose for a variety of reasons. One of the main causes is the natural changes that occur in the structure of the gums and jawbone. After natural teeth are extracted, the gums and jawbone gradually weaken.

This can lead to a poor fit between the denture and the jaw, causing the denture to become loose. In addition, the initial impression of the denture may not have been done correctly, or the adjustment may not have been accurate.

Improper use of the denture and reduced saliva production can also result in decreased denture stability. In such cases, visiting the dentist for a re-adjustment, relining, or even considering implants is essential.

 

 

Home Remedies for Loose Dentures

Home remedies for loose dentures can serve as temporary solutions to reduce discomfort and improve the fit until you are able to see your dentist. Below are two effective home remedies for loose dentures:

• Using denture adhesive: This can be especially helpful when the denture has become loose due to changes in gum shape.
• Using a home reline kit: A home reline kit can help improve the fit of the denture and fill the gap between the denture and the gums. However, this is only a temporary solution, and you should visit your dentist as soon as possible for a professional reline.

 

Benefits of Using Dental Implants with Dentures

Stabilizing dentures with implants offers many benefits, especially for those using full dentures. One of the main advantages of this method is the increased stability and comfort. Implants are placed into the jawbone as fixed anchors, holding the denture securely in place. This reduces the chances of slipping or loosening while eating or speaking.

Moreover, implants help prevent further bone loss in the jaw, as the implant posts stimulate and preserve the jawbone structure. This also helps prevent facial changes caused by bone loss. Ultimately, implants allow individuals to feel more natural and confident when speaking and eating, without worrying about their dentures shifting or becoming loose.

 

 

Important Tips for Denture Care

Proper care of dentures plays a significant role in maintaining oral health and extending the lifespan of the dentures. To achieve this, dentures should be cleaned daily using a soft brush and a specialized cleanser, and they should be removed at night to allow the gums to rest.

Storing dentures in water or a soaking solution prevents them from drying out and changing shape. Additionally, keeping the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth clean with a soft toothbrush helps prevent bacterial buildup and inflammation in these areas.

It’s also important to avoid eating hard or sticky foods and to regularly schedule check-ups with your dentist. Following these simple steps will help you maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the challenges of using dentures in daily life.

 

 

How Does Denture Care Affect the Adjustment Process?

Proper care of your dentures not only increases their lifespan but also helps make the adjustment process easier. Keeping dentures clean prevents the buildup of bacteria and food debris, which can cause discomfort, gum irritation, or even loosening of the denture. In addition, regular cleaning and proper storage help protect the denture from damage or deformation.

Avoiding excessive use of denture adhesive and not putting too much pressure on the denture can help prevent bone loss in the jaw and preserve the denture’s stability over time. Regular dental visits are also essential to check the condition of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit and natural function.

 

 

When Should You Replace or Adjust Your Dentures?

If you notice changes in the function, comfort, or appearance of your dentures, it may be time to have them adjusted or replaced. Below are the most important signs that indicate it’s time for a denture check-up or replacement:

• One of the most common signs is the denture becoming loose or unstable. This is usually due to gradual jawbone loss and changes in gum shape.
• The appearance of pain, sores, or pressure in different areas of the mouth caused by the denture may indicate the need for an adjustment or replacement.
• Difficulty chewing, trouble speaking, or changes in facial shape are other important signs that your dentures need to be re-evaluated.
• In general, after 5 to 8 years of using dentures, it is recommended to visit your dentist to determine whether a replacement is needed. This will help maintain your oral health and overall quality of life.

 

 

What Is the Best Method to Replace a Missing Tooth?

The best method for replacing a missing tooth depends on several factors, including the overall condition of the mouth, gum and jawbone health, age, general health, and the patient’s budget. However, among the available options, dental implants are generally considered the most complete and long-lasting solution.

Implants offer the function and appearance of natural teeth, help prevent jawbone loss, and, with proper care, can last for many years. That said, the relatively high cost and the need for surgery are some of the drawbacks of this method.

Another option is a dental bridge, which is suitable for replacing one or several consecutive missing teeth. It is quicker and more affordable than implants, but it requires the adjacent teeth to be trimmed and does not prevent jawbone loss.

Finally, removable dentures are considered a budget-friendly option, particularly suitable for elderly patients or those who have lost multiple teeth. However, compared to implants, this method offers less stability and comfort and requires more maintenance.

In summary, if a person’s physical and financial conditions are suitable, dental implants are considered the best option for replacing missing teeth.

 

Dental Services at Dr. Ebadian’s Clinic

In this article, we provided comprehensive information on what to do to adjust to dentures. Receiving dental care from a reliable clinic can play a key role in making the adjustment process easier.

At Dr. Ebadian’s Clinic, advanced equipment and an experienced team are used to accurately and properly adjust dentures while providing essential care instructions to prevent issues such as pain, gum and mouth sores, or denture looseness.

Additionally, the clinic supports patients throughout their adjustment journey by offering regular follow-ups and specialized consultations.