Instructions Following Denture or Partial Delivery

• You must learn to manipulate your new dentures. Most patients require at least 3 weeks to learn to use new dentures, and some patients require more time.

• Dentures are not as efficient as natural teeth so you should not expect to chew as well with dentures as with your natural teeth. Dentures are better than no teeth at all. Start with small bites of easy to manages foods.

• Do not try to bite with your front teeth. Use the area of the canine teeth
to bite foods, but it is even better to cut the food into small pieces before attempting to chew.

• Speaking will feel awkward for a while. Diligent practice usually enables a patient with new
dentures to speak clearly within a few days.

• You must return to your dentist for follow-up treatment after the dentures have been inserted. In nearly every instance, it is necessary to make some minor adjustments to the denture.

• Most patients must make some adjustments in their attitude and habits in order to wear dentures successfully.

• If you develop soreness, it goes away by itself.

• Your dentures and supporting ridges must be cleaned carefully after each meal.

• “Denture breath” is a result of dirty dentures.

• Clean your gums with a soft brush and toothpaste.

• Clean your dentures with liquid dish detergent, and gently brush with a soft dentures brush. Many kinds of toothpaste are too abrasive to use on the polished denture surface.

• Soak your dentures at night in a denture cleaner or a water/mouthwash solution.

• Always keep your dentures wet when not wearing them to prevent warping.

• Nature did not intend for people to wear dentures. You must, therefore, be very careful of the supporting tissue.

• In addition to keeping the dentures meticulously clean, you must rest the tissues at least eight hours a day. Most patients find it convenient to leave their dentures out at night.

• The tissue that supports your dentures is constantly changing. This will result in denture looseness. However, looseness can result from many causes. With time, your dentures will need either refitting or replacement. In any event, you should call your dentist for an appointment when you notice excessive looseness.

• Annual examinations of the supporting tissue for abnormalities and to assess the function and fit of the denture are important for your overall dental health.