How to Make Dentures More Comfortable: 5 Tips for a Better Fit
Dentures are among the most popular choices for replacing missing teeth. These adaptable dental prostheses can replace one tooth or a whole set of missing teeth.
While modern dentures are designed to be lightweight, natural-looking, and functional, it’s normal to experience a period of adjustment when wearing them for the first time.
If you’re wondering how to make dentures more comfortable, you’re not alone. Many people experience mild discomfort or soreness in the early days of wearing new dentures. Still, you can ease the transition with a few practical strategies and enjoy a better fit.
Below are five tips to help you feel more confident and comfortable with your dentures.
#1. Take It Slow with Soft Foods
One of the first changes you’ll need to make involves your diet. In the early days of wearing dentures, your gums and jaw muscles need time to adapt. To reduce soreness and pressure, start with a soft-food diet.
Eating softer and smaller foods can help you transition if you’re new to fitting dentures. Try bananas or mashed potatoes, which are good sources of nutrition while still being gentle on your gums.
As the days pass, your jaw muscles will get used to chewing food, and you will feel more comfortable with your dentures.
#2. Practice Wearing and Handling Your Dentures
Getting comfortable with dentures is a learning curve, especially if you’re wearing them for the first time. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
Practice speaking aloud, reading, and chewing at home to help your mouth muscles adapt. You may first notice a lisp or extra saliva—this is normal and usually resolves with continued use.
Another key part of practice involves taking your dentures in and out. Your Northbridge dentist will show you the correct technique during your dental fitting.
Repeating these steps at home will make the process easier and help prevent accidental irritation to your gums.
Consistency is key to making dentures more comfortable. Daily wear helps your soft tissues adapt and improves overall fit.
#3. Be Patient and Wear Them Regularly
It is advised that removing and fitting dentures is not attempted for 24 hours from when your dentist placed them to allow your gums to mould into the dentures.
Afterwards, don’t be disheartened if you still have trouble with your dentures. Your mouth is just getting used to the new dentures. It’s like wearing new shoes where a “breaking in” phase is needed.
Wear and use your new dentures daily to help the soft tissues of your mouth naturally adjust. With patience, you will soon adapt well and feel like you are not wearing any dentures.
#4. Give Your Mouth a Nightly Break
Dentures should only be worn during the day. At night, remove them to give your gums time to recover. You can also use an ice pack to address soreness. Then, clean your dentures thoroughly to remove bacteria and soak them in a denture bath.
Before you sleep, place them in their proper container to prevent accidental falls that may ruin your new dentures.
#5. Visit Your Dentist for Adjustments
Sometimes, no matter how diligently you are, your dentures may continue to feel uncomfortable or cause sore spots. This is a sign that a professional adjustment may be needed.
Your Northbridge dentist can make minor modifications to the shape or fit of your dentures to reduce irritation and improve comfort. Don’t try to fix them yourself—this can damage the prosthetic or lead to improper fitting.
Schedule routine dental check-ups to ensure your dentures are still fitting properly. Your mouth and jaw can change shape over time, so that adjustments might be needed even months after your initial fitting.
When seeking professional advice on how to make dentures more comfortable, your dentist is your best ally.
The Takeaway
When it comes to new dentures, give yourself time to adjust, set realistic expectations, and be kind to yourself. You don’t need to worry if it takes a while to fully adjust to the denture process, particularly if you are new to fitting dentures.
After enough use and with these tips on how to make dentures more comfortable, you’ll be on the road to a happier smile.
Dentures Management in Northbridge
If discomfort continues or you’re unsure how to improve your denture experience, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our friendly dental team will thoroughly assess your needs to determine how to make you more comfortable wearing them.
Call My Local Dentists today at (02) 8318 5966.
Visit us at Shop 20a, Northbridge Plaza, 79-113 Sailors Bay Road in Northbridge.