Are Dentures Difficult to Get Used to?

If you're new to dentures, you’re not alone. Approximately 15% of the edentulous population — individuals missing all their natural teeth — receive dentures each year. 

Dentures can restore your ability to eat your favorite foods and smile with confidence, but it’s normal to have questions, especially regarding how they feel and how long it takes to adjust. 

Whether you get removable dentures or implant-retained dentures, the team at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics here in New York City can guide you through the transition so you smile, eat, and speak with confidence.

Read on as Dr. David Blaustein shares more about adjusting to your new dentures.

What to expect in the beginning 

It’s true: Dentures take some getting used to. You may notice:

• A feeling of fullness in your mouth
• Slight changes in how you speak or eat
• Minor irritation or soreness as your mouth adjusts
• Changes to how you perceive food temperature 

Implant-supported dentures tend to feel more secure and natural right away because they're anchored to your jaw, but there’s still a short period of adjustment as your mouth heals.

Removable vs. implant-supported dentures

Removable dentures rest on your gums and may shift slightly when you eat or speak, especially at first. With time and a good fit, most people adapt well.

We anchor implant-supported dentures to dental implants in your jawbone. Implants fuse to the jawbone, offering greater stability and a feel that’s closer to natural teeth. They often require less adjustment time and provide improved chewing strength.

Tips to adjust to your new dentures

Getting used to dentures takes time, but these strategies can help:

Practice speaking at home

You might feel self-conscious talking to yourself, but it’s one of the fastest ways to acclimate to your new dentures. Practicing speaking at home can help you develop clear and confident speaking skills. 

Start with soft foods 

When you first receive your dentures, start with soft foods like smoothies, soups (test the temperature first, since it’s harder to gauge with dentures), mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and oatmeal. 

Chewing slowly and evenly on both sides helps improve stability and reduce soreness. As your mouth heals and you adjust, you can reintroduce more foods into your diet. When you begin eating regular meals again, cut your food into small, manageable bites to make chewing easier. 

Use dental adhesive for extra stability 

If you have removable dentures, you may consider dental adhesive. Adhesive can help your removable dentures feel more secure as you get used to speaking and eating. It reduces movement and creates a better seal, which may improve comfort. 

Clean your dentures daily to avoid irritation or infection

Just like natural teeth, dentures need regular cleaning to remove food particles and bacteria. 

Think about a small piece of food stuck between your gums and dentures. It can irritate your gums quickly. A clean set of dentures helps prevent gum irritation, infections, and bad breath. Use a denture brush and cleaner, not toothpaste, to avoid damaging the surface.

When in doubt, follow Dr. Blaustein’s denture care tips.

Follow up with your dentist for adjustments

Even well-made dentures may need slight adjustments as your mouth adapts. Regular follow-ups allow Dr. Blaustein to fine-tune the fit of your dentures, which can reduce sore spots and improve their function. 

Don’t wait if something feels off — early tweaks can make a big difference.

Feel confident with your smile

No matter which type of denture you choose, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, we provide expert fittings, follow-up adjustments, and compassionate support so your dentures are as comfortable and functional as possible.

Ready to restore your smile? Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Call our office in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan or request an appointment online.