New dentures: the first weeks and daily care
The first few weeks
- Sore spots are common. Do not adjust the denture yourself; the dentist can ease it in a few minutes. If a spot is very sore, leave the denture out for a while, but wear it for a few hours before your review so the dentist can see where it rubs.
- Speaking: read aloud for a few minutes each day; most people adapt within a couple of weeks.
- Eating: start with soft food cut into small pieces and chew on both sides at once to keep the denture stable. Bite with the side teeth rather than the front.
- More saliva than usual is normal at first and settles.
Daily care
- Rinse the denture after meals.
- Once a day, brush it over a basin of water (so it does not break if dropped) with a soft brush and toothpaste.
- At least once a week, soak it in a denture cleaning tablet solution.
- Brush your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth.
- Take the denture out at night to rest your gums, and keep it in water or a denture-soaking solution so it does not dry and warp.
- Never use hot or boiling water, which can warp it.
Should I sleep with my dentures in?
Generally no, unless your dentist has advised it for a specific reason. Leaving them out at night lets your gums rest and lowers the risk of denture stomatitis.
Relines, repairs and replacement
Gums and bone change shape over time, especially in the first months after teeth are removed, so dentures gradually loosen. A reline refits the base to your gums. Have your dentures and mouth checked at least once a year even if you have no natural teeth.
See a dentist if
- A sore spot or ulcer has not healed within two weeks
- The denture is loose, cracked or has a broken clasp or tooth
- The corners of your mouth are cracked and sore
- You have redness under the denture or a burning feeling
Costs and subsidies
Complete and partial dentures, and denture relines or repairs, are CHAS-claimable for CHAS Blue, CHAS Orange, Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation cardholders: one upper and one lower denture every three calendar years, and one reline or repair per jaw per year. Subsidy amounts are on our CHAS page. Choosing between a denture and other options: implant, bridge or denture?
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
Most people adapt within a few weeks. Speaking usually improves within one to two weeks; chewing confidently can take longer.
Can I use toothpaste on my dentures?
Yes. Brush your dentures daily with a soft brush and toothpaste, and soak them in a denture cleaning tablet solution at least once a week.
Do I need denture adhesive?
A well-fitting denture should not need it, but a small amount can add confidence. Needing more and more adhesive is a sign the denture needs relining.
Why are my dentures loose?
The gums and bone underneath shrink over time. A reline usually restores the fit.
Questions about your teeth?
Book a check-up. You will hear what we find, the options and the fee before anything is done.