Wearing a partial or full set of dentures takes some adjustment for anyone. We always say to expect some discomfort the first few days, but don’t worry, this is just the adjustment phase. Soon, you should get used to having dentures in your mouth.

In the Beginning

At first, it may feel like you’ve got a foreign object in your mouth. You’re also likely to feel a little bit of soreness, as well as difficulty speaking and chewing. If you’re experiencing any of these things, don’t panic! Dentures feel like this for everyone in the first few weeks. Once you’re over that hump, though, they should begin to feel so comfortable you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.

A Common Problem with Lower Dentures

We’ve heard from patients over the years that wearing upper dentures tends to be easier than wearing lower dentures. Sounds a little counterintuitive, right? One of the reasons for this is that the lower ridge of your mouth is smaller than the upper ridge, and this will cause your lower denture to move around more. One way you will naturally learn to overcome this is through using the muscles in your face to work with your lower denture. You will come to understand how the dentures fit best in your mouth, and in time this will come to you naturally.

Signs of Poorly Fitting Dentures

Like we mentioned, there is an adjustment period to getting used to dentures. But if it’s been several months and you’re still experiencing discomfort, then your denture may not be fitting properly. Some signs of poorly fitting dentures include:

• Dentures slip: If your dentures are still slipping when you’re eating, laughing, or talking after several months, then you may need an adjustment.
• Denture pain: In the beginning, it’s normal to experience some pain and soreness with new dentures, but this should go away after you’ve been wearing your dentures for a while. If not, come see us.
• Denture sores: Sores from new dentures are common, but you shouldn’t continue having sores after you’ve had your dentures for several months. Call us if you do.

Dentures that fit properly distribute your bite forces evenly, which should prevent these problems after your initial adjustment period. If your dentures are still not fitting properly, call us today for an adjustment. At Palos Heights Family Dental, we make custom-designed dentures using state-of-the-art technology to ensure your dentures are comfortable and made just for you. Call us for a consultation today!