How to Care for Your Dentures at Home

If you’re about to get dentures, you probably have a lot of questions—What will they feel like? Will it hurt? How long until I can eat normally again? At Northwest Dental Prosthetics, based out of Craig, CO, we understand that getting dentures is a big step, and knowing what to expect can make the process much smoother and less intimidating. Whether you're getting full or partial dentures , this guide will walk you through the denture experience—from your first fitting to life after the adjustment period. Step 1: The Consultation and Planning Phase Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation . During this visit, your prosthodontist will: Examine your mouth and gums Take digital impressions or molds Discuss your medical history and lifestyle Review all your replacement options This is also when you'll decide between full dentures (for replacing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for replacing a few missing teeth). Implant-supported dentures may also be discussed if you're looking for extra stability. What to Expect: You’ll have the chance to ask questions, review your treatment plan, and feel confident before moving forward. Step 2: Extractions (If Needed) and Healing If you have remaining teeth that need to be removed, your dentist may recommend extractions before denture placement . After extractions, your gums will need time to heal—usually several weeks. In some cases, immediate dentures are placed right after extraction so you’re never without teeth. However, these may require adjustments or a permanent replacement later as your gums shrink and reshape. What to Expect: Some soreness and swelling after extractions Dietary restrictions (soft foods, no straws) during healing Follow-up visits to monitor progress Step 3: The Fitting and Customization Process Once your gums have healed—or if you're getting immediate dentures —your custom dentures will be crafted. You'll go through one or more fitting appointments , where your prosthodontist checks: Fit and bite alignment Gum and jaw comfort Aesthetic appearance (color, shape, size) Adjustments are made to ensure that the dentures not only look natural but also feel comfortable. What to Expect: Multiple visits may be needed Try-in sessions with wax models before final dentures are made Your input matters—this is your new smile! Step 4: Getting Used to Your Dentures The first few weeks with new dentures can feel awkward—but don’t worry, it’s temporary. Your tongue, cheeks, and jaw muscles will need time to adapt. Common experiences: A feeling of fullness in your mouth Minor soreness or gum irritation Extra saliva production Some difficulty speaking or eating With practice and time, these issues improve. Soft foods and slow chewing are recommended in the beginning. Reading aloud and practicing speech can help you adjust quickly. What to Expect: A 1–2 week adjustment period is typical Most patients feel fully comfortable in 3–6 weeks Regular check-ins ensure your dentures fit properly Step 5: Caring for Your Dentures Once you’re comfortable, ongoing denture care becomes a part of your daily routine. Key tips: Remove and rinse dentures after eating Brush with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser Soak dentures overnight to keep them moist Clean your mouth and gums daily to prevent infection Regular visits to your prosthodontist help maintain fit and oral health. Over time, you may need relining or rebasing to keep your dentures secure. The Bottom Line Getting dentures is a life-changing decision that can improve your comfort, function, and confidence. While the process involves a period of adjustment, the long-term benefits are well worth it. At Northwest Dental Prosthetics, we’re with you every step of the way—from planning and extractions to final fit and follow-up care. Our goal is to make sure your dentures feel as natural and comfortable as possible.

When people think about replacing missing teeth, cosmetic concerns often come to mind first. After all, a complete smile can greatly improve self-esteem and confidence. But what many don’t realize is that restoring missing teeth goes far beyond appearance—it plays a vital role in your overall oral health, function, and even your long-term well-being. At Northwest Dental Prosthetics, we’ve seen firsthand how dental prosthetics can transform not just how a person looks, but how they chew, speak, and feel day to day. Let’s break down why replacing missing teeth is a decision that supports your health—not just your smile. 1. Chewing and Nutrition Take a Hit Each tooth in your mouth plays a specific role in breaking down food. When even one is missing, your ability to chew properly can be affected. This often leads patients to avoid certain foods—like crunchy vegetables or chewy meats—that are essential for a balanced diet. Over time, this can result in nutritional deficiencies , digestive problems, or unintended weight loss. Replacing missing teeth with well-fitted prosthetics , whether it’s a bridge, denture, or implant, helps restore full chewing ability and supports better nutrition and digestion. 2. Speech and Communication Can Suffer Teeth are essential not only for eating but for clear speech . Gaps in your smile—especially if they involve the front teeth—can change the way air flows through your mouth and cause difficulties pronouncing certain words or sounds. Many patients are surprised to find that their speech improves significantly once their teeth are restored. It’s one of those subtle, quality-of-life improvements that can make a big difference in day-to-day social interactions. 3. Your Bite Alignment May Shift When a tooth goes missing, the teeth around it can drift or tilt into the empty space, disrupting your bite. This misalignment can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It may also wear down other teeth prematurely as your bite becomes unbalanced. Replacing missing teeth helps maintain your mouth’s natural structure and ensures that your remaining teeth stay in their proper positions. 4. It Supports Mental and Emotional Well-Being The psychological effects of missing teeth shouldn’t be underestimated. Many patients tell us they avoid smiling in photos, speaking in public, or even socializing altogether because of embarrassment about their teeth. Replacing missing teeth not only restores your smile—it often restores your confidence . Patients regularly report improved self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and a more active social life after treatment. The Bottom Line Yes, replacing missing teeth improves how your smile looks—but it also protects your oral health, helps you eat and speak properly, maintains your facial structure, and boosts your emotional well-being. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, prosthetic solutions like implants, bridges, and dentures can make a powerful difference. At Northwest Dental Prosthetics , we’re committed to finding the right solution for your needs and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you. Interested in learning more about your tooth replacement options? Book a consultation with our prosthodontic team at 970-824-2197.