Thank you for trusting us with your care. To ensure the long-term success of your new denture(s), please review and follow the instructions below.
When to Call Us
It’s normal to feel some discomfort as you adjust to a new denture. However, please contact our office right away if you experience any of the following:
- An allergic reaction to any prescribed medications
- A sore spot where the denture is rubbing
- Difficulty chewing or speaking that does not improve with time
- A bite that feels off or uneven once the denture settles
- A loose denture: Over time, your gums and jawbone can shrink or change shape. This can cause your denture to become loose, which may lead to bone loss, gum irritation, and serious oral conditions. A reline or adjustment may be necessary.
General Care Instructions for Dentures
Follow these instructions closely to help ensure the long-term success of your partial or full denture:
Getting Used to Your Denture
Adapting to your new denture: Most patients adjust to new dentures within 2 to 4 weeks, but this can vary. Be patient with yourself during the adjustment period.
- Speech practice: It may feel awkward to talk at first. Practice reading aloud to help your tongue adjust.
- Increased saliva: This is normal during the first few weeks and will improve as your mouth adapts.
- Eating: Begin with soft foods, cut into small pieces. Chew slowly and evenly on both sides to keep the denture stable.
Daily Cleaning & Maintenance
- Clean your dentures daily with a soft-bristled denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser.
- Soak your denture overnight in water to maintain its shape and keep it hydrated.
- Once a week, soak your denture in a denture-cleaning solution (e.g., Polident) to remove buildup.
- Never use hot water to clean your denture, as it may warp the material.
Oral Hygiene
- Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth daily using a soft toothbrush. This helps prevent infection and keeps tissues healthy.
- Rinse your mouth before placing the denture back in.
Resting Your Gums
- Leave your denture out at night or for at least 6 continuous hours per day. This allows your tissues to breathe and helps prevent irritation and infection.
Special Notes
Partial Dentures
- Use caution when inserting or removing partial dentures with metal clasps to avoid damaging your natural teeth.
- Maintain a 3 to 6 month cleaning and check-up schedule to ensure your remaining teeth and gums stay healthy.
Full Dentures
- Return for a yearly denture check-up. We will assess the fit of your denture, monitor bone and tissue changes, and perform an oral cancer screening at each visit.
Additional Tips
- Store your dentures safely: Keep them in a denture case and out of reach of pets or children when not in use.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods: These can dislodge or damage the denture.
- Don’t try to adjust your denture yourself: If it doesn’t fit properly, call our office for a professional adjustment.
- Don’t try to repair your denture yourself: If your denture breaks or cracks, call our office for a repair appointment.
- Bring a denture case and cleanser when traveling. Never wrap your denture in a tissue, as it may accidentally be thrown away.
We’re Here to Help
Getting used to dentures is a process, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call our office.
