Partial and full dentures both rest on the roof of your mouth, so this procedure works the same no matter what type you use. If you have partial dentures, then you’ll have to line up the dentures with the spaces between your remaining teeth like a puzzle. Look in the mirror to make this a lot easier.
If you have partial dentures, fit them into the space between your remaining teeth like a puzzle piece. The lower denture tends to feel looser than the top one because it isn’t held in place with natural suction. It’s normal if you need some adhesive or a re-sizing from your dentist.
Do this whether you’re wearing full or partial dentures, and even if you only have dentures on the top or bottom. Don’t bite down harder than normal. You don’t want to damage your dentures.
The two denture adhesives that carry the American Dental Association seal of approval are Fixodent and Adhesadent. You can’t go wrong with these products. [6] X Research source If you need more advice for choosing the right one, ask your dentist. Adhesive is also a good option if your mouth is usually dry, since saliva holds them in place. If your dentures still feel too loose, they might need tightening. Talk to your dentist about getting an adjustment.
Wash your hands before taking your dentures out so you don’t get any germs in your mouth. If you used adhesive and the dentures won’t come out, swish some warm water around your mouth first. Then pull the dentures out gently with a rocking motion. Be careful when you take your dentures out. If you drop them, they might break. [8] X Research source
You can also tighten your cheeks or angle your tongue to keep your dentures in place. It’s something you’ll get used to as you wear them.
If you don’t normally use denture adhesive, using some would be helpful if you’re eating hard or sticky foods. [11] X Research source Chew on both sides of your mouth to prevent the dentures from moving to one side. [12] X Research source
Some words or phrases might give you particular trouble. Just repeat them over and over to train your mouth to say them correctly.
You could suck on a mint or hard candy to encourage yourself to swallow more often.
You can still suck on a hard candy if you want to replace your gum habit.
If you can’t brush, then remove and rinse your dentures after eating. Denture cleanser is not the same as toothpaste, so don’t use it in your mouth. It’s still important to practice good oral health with dentures. Brush your gums and tongue twice a day while the dentures are out. If you have other teeth, brush them carefully as well. [18] X Research source
Your dentist may tell you to leave your dentures in overnight when you first get them so you get used to wearing them. Follow their instructions. [21] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Never put the dentures in hot water or the shape could warp as well. The dentist might recommend adding a cleaning tablet to the water to disinfect your dentures while they soak.
This can happen whether the dentures are new or not. Dentures break down and warp over time. In general, dentures will last about 5 years, so you might need a new pair if they start feeling uncomfortable after that. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source
