⭐ HOW TO USE AND ADAPT TO YOUR NEW DENTURES
A practical guide for comfort, speech and eating
Getting used to new dentures takes time, patience and guidance. The following instructions will help you adapt more easily and use your dentures safely and effectively.
1. Getting Used to Wearing Your Dentures
When you first wear your dentures, your lips, cheeks and tongue may feel pushed forward or crowded.
This is completely normal.
Within the first 1–2 weeks, your mouth will gradually adapt and this sensation will disappear.
You may also notice a temporary increase in saliva. This usually returns to normal within a few days.
Important:
For the first two weeks, it is very helpful to wear your dentures for 24 hours a day, including during sleep. This helps your muscles adapt faster.
After this period, your dentist will advise you on when to remove the dentures to rest the tissues—normally during sleep.
When not wearing them, keep your dentures in clean water or a sealed storage box (especially if you have pets, as dogs often chew dentures).
2. Learning to Speak with Your New Dentures
Your tongue will need time to adapt to its new position.
During the first days, you may experience:
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Slight lisping
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Whistling or “hissing” sounds
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Changes in pronunciation
A very effective way to improve speech is to read aloud for 10–15 minutes a day.
Your tongue will naturally relearn correct positioning, and speech will improve quickly.
3. Learning to Eat with New Dentures
Eating with dentures is a new skill and will take practice.
It may take several weeks—and in some cases months—to feel completely confident.
Biting into very hard foods (corn on the cob, apples, nuts, etc.) may be difficult or not possible with full dentures.
4. Tips for Eating Comfortably
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Avoid biting with the front teeth.
Instead, guide food toward the back teeth when biting. -
Cut food into smaller pieces than usual.
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Chew on both sides at the same time to keep the dentures balanced.
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Start with soft foods and gradually move to firmer textures.
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Practice eating at home first, rather than in public, until you feel comfortable.
Over time, your gums will toughen, your muscle coordination will improve, and eating will become much easier.
5. Understanding Upper and Lower Denture Differences
Upper Denture
Upper dentures typically have better suction and stability because they rest against the palate.
A higher and more defined bone ridge often provides better retention.
However, if you have natural lower teeth, this may reduce the stability of the upper denture.
Lower Denture
Lower dentures are more challenging because:
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The bone ridge is often smaller
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There is no palate to create suction
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The lower jaw moves during chewing
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The tongue constantly interacts with the denture
With practice, your tongue will learn to help stabilise the lower denture.
This requires time, patience and daily practice.
6. Common Problems and How to Manage Them
A. Coughing or Sneezing
Sudden air pressure may dislodge your dentures.
Always cover your mouth with your hand to avoid embarrassment.
Shouting or singing may also loosen the denture until you adapt.
B. Gagging Reflex
Some patients experience gagging with upper dentures.
This may happen when:
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The back of the denture extends too far
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The denture is too thick at the back
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You naturally have a strong gag reflex
Your dentist can easily adjust points 1 and 2.
For a strong gag reflex, gradual training is required:
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Remove the denture when gagging occurs
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Rinse your mouth and the denture with cold water
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Reinsert the denture immediately
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Repeat daily until the reflex diminishes
This improves over time.
C. Altered Taste
Taste is mainly controlled by the tongue, so dentures should not significantly affect it.
However, new denture wearers often feel that food tastes different at first.
This usually improves within a few weeks.
7. Sore Spots
It is normal to develop sore areas during the first 2–3 weeks.
These occur where the denture presses unevenly on the gums.
Do not stop wearing your dentures for long periods—this will only delay adjustment.
Call your dentist for minor adjustments.
A few small corrections usually solve the problem and improve comfort immediately.
8. Cleaning Your Dentures
Use a recommended denture cleaning product and follow your dentist’s instructions.
Always keep your dentures moist when not wearing them.
If you have any discomfort, difficulty speaking or chewing, or any questions about your dentures, please contact us for assistance.
⭐ DentEuropa’s Advice
Adapting to dentures is a team effort between you and your dentist.
With patience, practice and regular follow-up, your dentures will become comfortable and function naturally
