Patient Information

After Partial and Full Dentures

  • New dentures always require a period of adjustment. First-time denture patients may require several weeks to get used to their new appliance.
  • Speech may be altered, and may require an adjustment period for the tongue and lips to get used to the appliance
  • For the first few days, you should wear your dentures for as long as possible, and chew soft food in small bites.  Remember, dentures do not have the same chewing efficiency as natural teeth and may affect your taste of food.
  • If your bite feels uneven after several days, please give us a call so we can schedule a bite adjustment patient.
  • It is not unusual for sore spots to develop in isolated areas of the mouth. These areas can be relieved easily with an adjustment appointment. If a severe sore spot develops which prevents wearing the please call our office so we can get you in quickly. Please wear the denture for 24 hours prior to the appointment. This will greatly aid in locating the exact location of the area, and make adjustments significantly easier and more predictable. If we cannot see where the denture is bothering you, then we will not be able to adjust it accurately.
  • Proper cleaning of your denture is important to prevent stains and bacteria from accumulating. Brush daily with soap and water. You can also purchase over the counter denture soak to help dissolve hard deposits. Bring your denture with you to all follow up and hygiene appointments so we can thoroughly clean it for you.
  • Oral Cancer Evaluations are still necessary even if there are not teeth to be cleaned. Continue to visit your dental hygienists for oral cancer exams.
  • Do not wear your complete or partial dentures to bed. It is important to allow your gum tissues and jaw bones to rest in order to prevent further tissue irritation, infection, and future bone shrinkage.
  • Over time, or with weight loss or gain, the supporting gum tissues and bone may change shape and size. Periodic relines of your dentures may be necessary to ensure a retentive fit. Denture teeth may wear or chip over time. For this reason, an annual check of your tissues and dentures is recommended.

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