Regaining Comfort: “I Hate My New Dentures, What Can I Do?”
By Hilarie Galloway, DMD
When starting off with new dentures, it can be challenging to get used to them. Sometimes this is because adjustments are needed to improve the fit. Other times the issue is simply that they don’t fit like previous dentures, or simply that dentures are very different than natural teeth (if it is your first set of dentures) and with time you will learn how to function and even enjoy your new dentures.
Occasionally more drastic steps are needed, such as a full reline to improve the internal fit or even starting over when adjustments can’t make the necessary improvements. Compared to conventional dentures, which can lead to issues such as poor fit and inconvenience, other types of dentures might offer better comfort and functionality.
However, there are ways to improve your satisfaction with new dentures — start by reaching out to your dentist or denturist and they can help you regain comfort.
Reasons You Don’t Like Your Dentures
There are multiple reasons that patients who have missing teeth don’t like their new dentures. Three very common causes are difficulty speaking, pain when wearing, and difficulty eating. Each of these problems has unique solutions, but the bottom line is that when you’re having difficulty with new dentures you should always start by consulting with your dentist or denturist so they can help point you in the right direction.
Trouble Talking
When new dentures interfere with speech patterns and cause difficulty speaking, there are a couple of easy fixes to try. One possible solution is a minor adjustment with your dentist or denturist — they may need to remove excess denture material that is interfering with your normal mouth movements during speech.
It is also possible that this is happening because the denture is falling out when you are attempting to speak — while your muscles will adapt to help hold dentures in place, you may also need to use denture adhesive to affix your new dentures in position and improve your speech.
It is also possible that after trying these simple fixes you still experience trouble talking with your new dentures. If this is due to dentures being too bulky or the teeth being too long, you may need a new set of dentures with less material or teeth that are set closer to the gum to improve function and eliminate interferences.
If the difficulty comes from dentures constantly falling out it may be that a lab reline is the solution you need, or in some cases, an implant overdenture may be indicated to stabilize the denture. Consulting with your dentists can help address these issues effectively and ensure a better fit.
Pain and Sore Spots When Wearing
New dentures are often uncomfortable. When you start with your first set of dentures, they do not feel like natural teeth due to the coverage of your gums. Bone loss can occur over time if dentures are not properly fitted, leading to complications with the jawbone. They also do not function as well as natural teeth, which is something for which you should be prepared. However, they should not be painful.
After delivery of your new dentures, you should plan to return to your dentist/denturist for adjustments. Sometimes only 1 or 2 adjustment appointments are required, while other dentures can require more adjustment visits to get the fit just right. Pain while wearing dentures is often improved with minor adjustments as sore spots develop where dentures rub against the gum. After adjustments have been made, if the denture is slightly loose-fitting, denture adhesive may help to hold the denture in place and prevent future sore spots.
You may also need adjustments to the biting surface of the dentures to alleviate discomfort in the gums or jaw pain. Should gum or jaw pain persist following adjustments, it may be due to the teeth being set too long (which would require a remake of the denture) or the denture being too loose and moving around a lot (which may require a reline or remake, possibly with implant abutments to stabilize).
Difficulty Eating
New dentures can also cause problems with eating. Often this is partially because dentures move when you chew on one side only, and new denture users need to get used to chewing food on both sides of their mouths at the same time. Dietary adjustments, such as incorporating more soft foods, may be necessary initially. Although this may feel unnatural at first, it can improve difficulty eating with dentures immensely.
Eating may also present challenges if there are sore spots on the gums, which should be addressed through adjustments with the dentist/denturist. Patients sometimes complain about food becoming lodged underneath the denture which can be uncomfortable and make eating more difficult. In these situations, denture adhesive may help. Otherwise, cleaning out your mouth and denture immediately following a meal is recommended for improved comfort.
Eating difficulties may also stem from the same issues that cause speaking difficulty such as too much material/teeth that are too long or dentures that are too loose. In these cases, a reline may improve loose dentures, but when adjustments fail, a complete remake may be necessary to improve fit.
Understanding Normal Adjustment Period
Adjusting to new dentures takes time, patience, and perseverance. It’s normal to experience some discomfort, pain, or sore spots when adjusting to new dentures. Your oral health provider should explain what to expect during the adjustment period. You can ask questions and seek clarification if you’re unsure about your treatment. It’s essential to communicate openly with your oral health provider to ensure you’re satisfied with your treatment.
What To Do When You Hate Your Dentures
While dentures don’t provide the exact function of natural teeth, you don’t have to hate your dentures! If you are looking to replace missing teeth, consider alternatives to traditional dentures such as dental implants, bridges, and same-day crowns. There are a couple of simple at-home steps to improve your quality of life with dentures, such as practicing good oral hygiene and keeping your dentures clean. And as always, be sure to call your dentist/denturist if you are having problems with your dentures as a simple adjustment may be all that is necessary to improve your satisfaction, and your provider can help you to problem-solve your specific issues.
Practice Good Oral Health
It is critical to maintain good oral hygiene and health to keep your bone/gums and any remaining teeth you may have (in the case of partial or single-arch dentures) healthy. Managing complications from tooth extractions, such as bone shards left in the gums, is essential to prevent infection and prepare for potential dental implants. Maintaining regular check-up visits with your dentist will monitor your oral health and help note any adjustments necessary. Keeping your mouth clean can also prevent sore spots and infections that can arise under dentures.
Clean Your Dentures
Cleaning dentures is extremely important in maintaining healthy oral tissues and keeping dentures fitting well. Dirty dentures can increase the risk of sores and infections on the soft tissue under dentures, which can in turn create more pain and problems with the dentures. Dentures should be removed each night and cleaned as directed by your dentist/denturist.
Call Your Denturist
Whenever you have a problem with your dentures your first step should be to call your dentist or denturist as they can help to properly diagnose the issue and help you find the appropriate solution.
Alternatives to Traditional Dentures
If you’re not happy with your traditional dentures, there are alternative options available. Dental implants are a popular alternative to dentures, offering a more secure and comfortable fit. Implant overdentures use four to six implants to secure a set of dentures, preventing facial collapse and improving chewing capacity. Another option is implant-retained dentures, which use dental implants to secure dentures, providing a long-term solution to denture fitting issues.
When to Consider Oral Surgery
Oral surgery may be necessary if you’re experiencing complications with your dentures or if you’re looking for a more permanent solution. Dental implants require oral surgery to place the implant in the jawbone. However, this procedure can be performed under sedation or local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. If you’re experiencing issues with your dentures, such as sore spots or difficulty eating, your oral health provider may recommend oral surgery to resolve these issues. It’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits of oral surgery with your oral health provider before making a decision.
Get Dentures You Love at European Denture Center
Adjusting to new dentures can be challenging, but at European Denture Center we are here to help. Whether you need minor adjustments, a full reline, or even a complete overhaul of your dentures, reach out to European Denture Center today and we can help get you started down a path to dentures you love. Check out our website to get in touch with one of our denturists and improve the fit of your dentures.
