Denture & Partial Post-Operative Care Instructions

Adjusting to new dentures or partials takes time. The following guidelines will help you heal properly, adjust more comfortably, and keep your dentures in good condition long term.

What to Expect at First

Dentures may feel loose, bulky, or uncomfortable initially.

You may notice:

  • Mild soreness or irritation
  • Increased saliva
  • Changes in speech
  • A slight gagging sensation

These symptoms usually improve within a few weeks.

Call our office right away if you develop sore spots, bite problems, or persistent discomfort.

Appearance Changes

Your facial expression may look different at first.

As your lips and cheeks adjust, your appearance will become more natural.

Dentures help support facial structure and restore a natural smile.

Eating With Dentures

  • Begin with soft foods, cut into small pieces.
  • Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth to prevent tipping.
  • Gradually return to firmer foods as comfort improves.
  • Avoid very sticky or hard foods until you are confident chewing.
  • Be cautious with hot foods, as dentures reduce temperature sensitivity.

Speaking

  • Speech may feel different at first.
  • Practice reading out loud to help your tongue adjust.
  • Speak slowly if teeth click when talking.
  • If dentures loosen while laughing or coughing, gently close your teeth and swallow to reposition them.

When to Wear Your Dentures

  • Wear dentures during waking hours.
  • Remove dentures at night or for at least 6 hours per day to allow gum tissue to rest.
  • Leaving dentures out for extended daytime periods may cause swelling and make reinsertion uncomfortable.

Caring for Your Mouth

Even without natural teeth, oral care is essential.

Daily:

  • Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush.
  • This helps remove plaque, improve circulation, and maintain healthy tissues.
  • Visit our office at least once per year for an oral exam and oral cancer screening.

Caring for Your Dentures

Clean dentures twice daily using:

  • A denture brush
  • A non-abrasive denture cleanser (do not use regular toothpaste)
  • Rinse dentures after meals.
  • Handle dentures carefully—they are fragile.
  • Do not use:
  • Bleach, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners
  • Boiling water, microwave, or dishwasher

When dentures are out of your mouth, keep them moist in water or denture solution.

Denture Cleaning Products

  • Denture tablets (such as Polident or Efferdent) or generic versions are effective.
  • Follow product instructions carefully.
  • If denture cleaner is unavailable, mild hand soap and lukewarm water may be used.
  • Poor denture hygiene can lead to infections, bad odor, and systemic health concerns.

Dentures With Soft Liners

If your denture has a soft liner:

  • Use cool water only when cleaning or soaking.
  • Soak for no longer than 30 minutes.
  • Avoid hot foods and heavy chewing on the first day.
  • Keep the denture moist at all times—do not allow it to dry out.
  • Soft liners are typically temporary and may need replacement over time.

First Day of Wear & Adjustments

  • New dentures may cause sore spots—this is common.
  • Contact our office as soon as discomfort appears.
  • Wear your denture for at least 3 hours before adjustment appointments so sore areas can be identified.
  • Do not attempt to adjust or repair dentures yourself.

Denture Adhesives

  • Some dentures benefit from adhesive for added stability.
  • Most upper dentures require little or none.
  • Lower dentures often need adhesive.

Adhesive Guidelines

  • Use the smallest amount needed.
  • Apply adhesive only to a clean denture.
  • If adhesive oozes out, you are using too much.
  • Powder adhesives are often easier to clean than paste adhesives.

Partial Denture Care

  • Insert and remove partial dentures using finger pressure only.
  • Avoid placing stress on metal clasps or natural teeth.
  • Maintain regular cleanings every 3–6 months to protect remaining teeth and gums.

Long-Term Denture Success

  • Your mouth changes over time as bone and gums naturally shrink.
  • Loose dentures can cause:
  • Soreness
  • Gum irritation
  • Bone loss
  • Difficulty eating or speaking
  • Regular dental visits allow us to adjust, reline, or replace dentures as needed.
  • With proper care, follow-up, and patience, dentures can be worn comfortably for many years.

When to Call Our Office

Please contact us if you experience:

  • Persistent soreness or irritation
  • Bite problems
  • A loose or unstable denture
  • Signs of infection or unusual discomfort