A Patient’s Guide on What to Expect When Getting Dentures

Who needs dentures? Despite popular belief, dentures are not just for older people. Anyone who has lost multiple teeth or has severe gum and tooth damage is a good candidate.

While people often think of dentures as a product for older adults, they can be helpful at any age. A toddler with a congenital or genetic condition may need dentures. A teen in high school sports might take a blow to the face that knocks out several teeth. A dentist will do everything possible to save the teeth, but sometimes partial dentures are best.

Many myths about dentures can make them seem unappealing. All of these statements are incorrect.

Denture care is difficult.
Dentures look fake.
Eating doesn’t feel normal after dentures.
It’s impossible to adjust to dentures.
Wearing dentures causes permanent speech issues.

If you’ve been putting off a dentist appointment because you worry you need dentures, It’s time to understand what dentures are and what happens when you get them.

Are Dentures Right for You?

If you see a dentist regularly, your dentist’s expertise on the value of dentures in your specific situation is unbeatable. Some of the signs that it’s time to consider dentures are:

Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
Gum disease, injury, or tooth decay with several teeth lost
Jawbone weakens, teeth loosen or shift
Lack of jaw support after tooth loss

You might also need dental implants for missing or severely decayed teeth, but the high cost of dental implants may be more than your budget can handle. Dentures are a more affordable option for tooth replacements.

What Types of Dentures Are Available?

Traditional Dentures (Full Arch): A full set of teeth that rest on the gums and can be removed.
Partial Dentures (Cast Metal, Flexible Nylon, or Acrylic): A smaller set of teeth that fit over the gums where teeth are missing, but the partial plate is held in place by the existing teeth.
Immediate Dentures (Same-Day Teeth): Temporary dentures that fit over the gums after extractions, so you don’t have to go without teeth while you wait for your dentures to be made.

As an alternative, you can also choose implant-supported options. An artificial tooth or section of teeth is placed on a metal post or metal posts that are inserted into your jawbone. Implants are more expensive, and you care for them like the rest of your teeth.

Indications for Full vs. Partial Dentures

When would you get full dentures over partial dentures? Full dentures are best if you’re missing multiple teeth and have large areas of exposed gumline. Partial dentures are best when you are missing a couple of teeth, but the surrounding teeth are healthy.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Denture Fitting?

You decided that you want dentures. What happens next?

Initial Consultation and Treatment Plan

Make an appointment with a dental office for the initial consultation. You’ll undergo a comprehensive exam and have digital X-rays taken. Your dentist will assess your jawbone health and remaining teeth and discuss whether full or partial dentures are better for your situation.

You’ll have time to ask questions, discuss pricing, and figure out what insurance covers. If you need to have any remaining teeth removed, you’ll discuss that step and schedule the extraction appointment.

A custom treatment plan is established. If you do need extractions, they’re completed. Ask your dentist about temporary dentures.

Digital Scan and Precision Impressions

Digital scans and impressions are taken to get exact measurements for the final dentures. Your dentures must align correctly so you have a proper bite while chewing.

Temporary Wax Models

You often have a preliminary fitting with a wax model. It helps ensure that the appearance and fit are ideal. If major adjustments are needed, it’s better to address them before the final dentures are made.

Final Fitting and Immediate Adjustments

When the dentures are made, you return to the dentist for the final fitting. Immediate adjustments are made, but there may still be some slight adjustments that you discuss in follow-up visits. Often, until you’re talking and chewing as you normally would, small issues aren’t noticeable.

What to Expect During the First Few Weeks

You have your dentures, and you’re starting to wear them. What should you expect for the first month or so?

Adapting to Changes in Speech

For months or even years, you’ve been talking without teeth in the spaces the new dentures fill. Your tongue has to get used to the new barriers, and dentures may make it harder to form your lips the way you did before. This can impact your speech. Get used to the new dentures by:

Making sure you’re staying hydrated
Practicing in a mirror
Reading aloud each day
Slowing down your speech

If you’re slurring, make sure the dentures aren’t loose or sliding around. Ill-fitting dentures can make your speech sound slurred or garbled. It can also increase clicks and whistling noises while you speak. Go to your dentist for adjustments if this happens.

Dietary Shifts: Eating Soft Foods and Transitioning to Your Normal Diet

For the first few weeks, your dentist may recommend sticking to soft, easy-to-chew foods. As you get comfortable chewing with your new dentures, slowly add newer, slightly harder foods. Keep making these small adjustments until you’re back to your usual diet. Always avoid very sticky or hard foods, like caramel or popcorn kernels.

Excess Saliva

As your mouth and gums get used to having dentures in place, you may experience excess saliva production. When there’s food in your mouth, your saliva glands activate. The brain can struggle to tell the difference between food and dentures. This problem eases when the brain and nervous system learn to distinguish the two.

Managing Early Soreness and Discomfort

Your gums are not used to having plastic or acrylic against them every day. For the first one or two weeks, some discomfort is normal. If it’s still sore after two weeks, return to your dentist for adjustments.

Regional Factors: Handling Dry Mouth and Dehydration in Warm Climates

In hot climates like Florida and Georgia, the intense sun may trigger dry mouth, especially if you take medications that list dry mouth as a side effect. Make sure you drink plenty of water, and talk to your dentist if you can’t keep your gums, lips, and tongue moist.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Dentures Daily

Cleaning isn’t difficult if you follow the same routine each day.

Rinse your mouth with water after every meal.
Clean your dentures, gums, and tongue with a soft toothbrush twice a day.
Soak your dentures overnight in warm (not hot) water.
See your dentist regularly for examinations and adjustments.

Navigating the Cost of Dentures

The cost of dentures is often one of the things people worry about. The price is influenced by any necessary extractions, the materials used to make the dentures, and whether you’re going for implant posts or not.

Insurance often covers a percentage of the extractions you need. Sage Dental offers an in-house membership with substantial discounts on all dental services. If you don’t have insurance, SageCare+ Discount Dental Plan provides discounts of:

35% on all bridges, dentures, and partials.
40% off implants and extractions
47% off periodontal treatments and maintenance

Full-mouth exams and X-rays are free. Oral cancer screenings are also free. Sign up and get the discounts the same day.

Schedule Your Denture Consultation Today

Do you feel you need dentures? Do your existing dentures need repairs or adjustments? Sage Dental has multiple offices throughout the Southeast. Come to one office for all of your dental care needs. We provide convenient locations and a wide array of dental services. We also offer online appointment scheduling for your convenience.