How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Wearing Dentures?

If you’re considering dentures and are wondering how long it takes to get used to them, you’re not alone. Read on to learn more about the denture adjustment period and what you can expect.

Getting used to dentures is a process, but with expert care, your adjustment can be smoother and more comfortable. That being said, each person’s experience with dentures can vary quite a bit.

Your adjustment period varies depending on what type of dentures you have. At The Dental Center of Hercules, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro specializes in fixed dentures. Also called implant-supported dentures, these dentures provide more stability than traditional removable options and can make the transition easier.

Take a moment as Dr. Teodoro explains more about your denture adjustment period.

What to expect in the first few days

It’s completely normal to feel some initial discomfort or awkwardness with new dentures. In the first few days, you may notice:

Soreness or pressure spots in the mouth
Increased saliva
Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly

These symptoms usually improve within a week or two as your muscles and oral tissues adapt.

If you have any teeth extracted at the same time that you receive your immediate dentures, you may experience some soreness related to your extraction. Follow any postextraction care tips that our team provides.

The difference that fixed dentures make

The use of fixed implant-supported dentures has surged in recent years, rising from just 0.16% to 2.5% across the general population, with even higher adoption among older adults. It’s not surprising why.

Unlike traditional removable dentures, fixed dentures are securely attached to dental implants, providing a stable, natural feel. This added stability helps:

Prevent slipping during meals or conversations
Maintain better bone health
Improve confidence when smiling, talking, and eating

Because they feel more like natural teeth, many people adjust to fixed dentures faster and with less frustration.

6 tips to help you adjust to your dentures

Even with fixed dentures, your mouth still needs time to adapt. These tips can help ease the process:

1. Start with soft foods

Ease into eating with mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, overnight oats, and smoothies. Chew slowly and evenly on both sides.

2. Cut your food into small pieces

Once you’re ready to move from soft food to your normal foods, cut your food into small pieces. This will help you learn to chew with your dentures. Start small, and as you gain confidence, you can start to cut your food into normal-sized bites.

3. Practice speaking

Eating isn’t the only skill you can practice. You can practice speaking with your dentures too. Read aloud or repeat tricky words to retrain your speech muscles.

4. Take care of any sore spots

If you have any sores, rinse your mouth out with salt water. This helps clean your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection. If the sores don’t resolve within a few days, let us know. You may need an adjustment.

5. Maintain good hygiene

Oral hygiene is just as important whether you have dentures, implants, or your natural teeth. The good news is that it doesn’t take too much time to get used to your new oral care routine.

Unclean dentures can increase your risk of oral thrush, so be sure to clean your dentures as instructed, including brushing them with a denture brush (not a toothbrush) and a paste formulated for dentures.

6. Schedule regular checkups with Dr. Teodoro

Dr. Teodoro can make sure your dentures fit comfortably and address any adjustments you may need.

Thinking about dentures?

Here’s the bottom line: Most people feel significantly more comfortable with their dentures within a few weeks.

If you're considering dentures, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at The Dental Center of Hercules to learn more about advanced, personalized denture solutions — including implant-supported fixed dentures.