Dentures in Finchley

Initially, dentures will feel like a ‘new pair of shoes’, but you’ll soon get used to wearing them. Everyone adapts differently and several days or weeks may be required before you get accustomed to them.  For the first two or three days after your new dentures have been fitted, you are likely to feel some degree of discomfort but this is a completely normal feeling that is experienced by most patients.  After the first days pass, mouth muscles will adapt to the new norm and any discomfort should disappear.

Speech: Speech may alter and pronouncing certain words may require practice.  Reading out loud and repeating difficult words will help.

Eating: Initially soft food will help and also cutting food into small pieces.

Pressure Spots: Slight irritation caused by denture surface irregularities on the denture-bearing areas is quite common.  Your dentist will relieve the tenderness by adjusting the denture.  If the irritation is very painful, stop wearing your denture and consult your dentist immediately.

It’s important to regularly remove plaque and food deposits from your dentures, as unclean dentures can also lead to problems such as bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay and oral thrush.  Keeping your mouth clean is just as important when you wear dentures.  You should brush your remaining teeth, gums and tongue every morning and evening with fluoride toothpaste.

Clean your dentures as often as you would normal teeth (at least every morning and night) by:

Brushing them with soap and water before soaking to remove food particles.

Soaking the dentures in a fizzy solution of denture-cleaning tablets to remove stains and bacteria – follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Brushing them again, as you would your normal teeth (but don’t scrub too hard).

You should continue to see your dentist regularly if you have dentures, even if you have complete dentures, so they can check for any problems.  As previously mentioned, it’s perfectly normal for the first few days to experience some degree of discomfort.  However, we will invite you back for regular appointments to make sure that your dentures are perfectly fitted and aren’t falling out of place within the first few months.

You may experience some mild discomfort whilst you get used to them.

Until your cheek and face muscles learn to hold the dentures in place, you may feel that they are uncomfortable, loose and bulky, without enough room for your tongue. There may also be some minor irritation in the mouth, and some excessive saliva whilst your mouth adjusts to wearing the dentures. As you become accustomed to wearing them, these symptoms will ease.

Initially it may also be difficult to talk and eat, but with practice you will regain normal functioning.

As dentures become worn and your mouth changes shape, you may also experience discomfort and sores and infections – it’s important to get your dentures checked regularly and replaced before they cause these problems.

Dentures can require regular adjustments as the mouth structure changes over time. Whilst the teeth themselves can last well, you may need to ‘rebase’ the dentures according to your age, lifestyle and dental health to keep them fitting perfectly.

If you look after your dentures with a good oral hygiene routine and have regular dental check-ups, this will also extend their longevity.