Common Denture Problems For First Time Wearers
As we age, our natural teeth can become damaged or worn to the point where we need to replace them, and dentures can be a real lifesaver. These removable replacements for your teeth can give you back your confidence and quality of life, and not only do they work well, but dentures today are also super comfortable and easy to care for.
Still, any time you’re dealing with something as complicated as dental prosthetics, there are bound to be minor problems the first time you wear them. In today’s blog, we look at common denture problems for first-time wearers and what you can do to fix them.
Upper Denture Problems
Upper denture problems usually involve losing suction, which means they may require a reline or rebase. This should vastly improve the fit of your denture, but if you’re unable to keep the denture in, implant-retained dentures may be advised.
Lower denture problems
Lower denture problems tend to be a little more difficult than upper dentures, as they don’t utilise the mouth’s suction mechanism. If you’re experiencing more looseness in the bottom denture, you may have to visit your dental prosthetist for a potential reline. If the problem persists, we recommend getting implant-retained dentures, which use dental implants as anchors for the denture to slide onto.
Common denture problems for first-time wearers
Soreness
A common side effect of wearing full dentures is irritation and soreness in your gums, lips, and mouth. Denture sore spots often occur when dentures are first worn or adjusted and usually only lasts 1-2 weeks. If denture sore spots persist, your dental prosthetist may need to adjust the fit, which could take a few tries.
Difficulty speaking
You may find it difficult to speak normally as you’re getting used to your new dentures, which may result in a lisp or ‘slushy’ voice. This is normal as you adjust to the new sensation of wearing them. If you experience denture problems, speak with your dental prosthetist or prosthodontist and practice using your dentures regularly. It’s also worth testing your new dentures with loved ones or in front of the mirror to help grow your confidence.
Difficulty eating
When you’re getting used to your new dentures, you may find eating painful or awkward. To make the transition easier, try only eating softer foods at first, like soups or mashed potatoes and avoid chewing anything tricky like beef jerky, grapes, and chips. It may take weeks for your mouth to feel comfortable with your own teeth again.
Slipping dentures
If you feel like your dentures are constantly slipping out, you may find yourself losing confidence. Many people experience this in the first few weeks or even months after getting their new dentures as the muscles in your mouth may not be used to having dentures. Dentures are often lighter than natural teeth, so they may also slip out when the muscles in your mouth relax. However, this will go away in time, as your mouth learns to adjust.
Excess saliva
It is common to produce excess saliva during the first few days of having your dentures removed. This can be caused by the lack of teeth stabilising your bite, causing your saliva glands to work harder to produce extra saliva.
Find Out More Today!
We hope our article on common denture problems for first-time wearers has answered all your questions. If you’d like to see a dental prosthetist about any issues or are thinking about getting your first pair, please contact our denture clinic by calling 02 6684 3677, emailing pearldenturestudio@gmail.com or via our online form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
Need new dentures?
Think it’s time for new dentures or nervous about getting your first pair? We can help. Contact our denture clinic today by calling 02 6684 3677 or email pearldenturestudio@gmail.com and one of our denture specialists will be in touch as soon as possible.