How Many Hours a Day Should You Wear Your New Dentures?

New Dentures vs. Old Dentures

New dentures usually require an adjustment period as the mouth adapts to the prosthetics. So, your dentist may recommend gradually increasing wear time to allow for acclimatization. Old dentures, on the other hand, may have worn-down surfaces or poor fit, which can cause discomfort or irritation with prolonged wear.

Oral Health Condition

If you suffer from underlying oral health issues such as gum disease or oral infections, you may need to limit denture wear time to prevent exacerbating these conditions.

Comfort Level

Discomfort or soreness while wearing dentures may indicate the need for adjustments or modifications in how long you should wear dentures. Dentists may recommend shorter wear times initially until comfort improves.

Denture Maintenance

Maintaining your dentures properly can help you extend your ability to wear dentures for a longer period. However, neglecting denture maintenance can lead to bacterial growth, forcing you to wear your dentures for shorter periods in order to mitigate oral infection risks. 

Now that you know “How many hours a day should you wear your new dentures?” it will also be beneficial to know how to adjust to new denture wear. 

The initial period of wearing new dentures can often be accompanied by discomfort as the mouth adapts to the prosthetics. Common issues include sore spots, pressure points, and difficulty speaking or eating. This discomfort is typically temporary but can be challenging for new denture wearers.

How to Ease Initial Denture Discomfort

• Proper Fit Adjustments: Dentures should fit snugly but comfortably in the mouth. If you are experiencing discomfort, consult with a dentist for adjustments to improve the fit.
• Use of Denture Adhesives: Denture adhesives can enhance stability and reduce movement of dentures, minimizing irritation to oral tissues.
• Patience & Persistence: Adjusting to new dentures takes time and patience. It’s normal to experience some discomfort initially as the mouth acclimates to the prosthetics.
• Seek Professional Assistance: If discomfort persists or worsens despite attempts to alleviate it, seek professional assistance from a dentist or prosthodontist.

Learning how to take the right steps from day 1 of wearing dentures can go a long way and improve your denture-wearing times significantly. By addressing initial discomfort, you can overcome challenges and enjoy the benefits of their new prosthetics with confidence.

Simple Tips on How to Adjust to New Dentures

• Start Slowly: Start by wearing your dentures for short periods. Wear them for a few hours each day and gradually work up to wearing them for longer periods.
• Practice Speaking: Take your time and speak slowly, focusing on pronouncing words clearly.
• Eat Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods initially, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, or scrambled eggs, until you feel more comfortable chewing with your dentures. Cut food into small, manageable pieces to make chewing easier.
• Stay Hydrated: Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to relieve dry mouth (a common side effect of wearing dentures) and keep your mouth moist and comfortable.
• Practice Proper Care: Follow your dentist’s instructions for cleaning and caring for your dentures. Remove them nightly for cleaning and soaking, and brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush to maintain oral hygiene. 

While it is important to know “How many hours a day should you wear your new dentures?” it is also crucial to be aware of the signs that you are overwearing them. 

Overwearing dentures can lead to various oral health issues and discomfort. Here are some signs that you may be overusing your prosthetic teeth. 

• Gum irritation caused by continuous pressure from dentures on the gums
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the gums, jaw, or surrounding oral tissues 
• Difficulty eating due to uncomfortable chewing experiences 
• Speech changes from overused dentures, causing slurred speech or difficulty pronouncing words
• Development of painful mouth sores or ulcers
• Dentures slipping while speaking or eating
• Bacterial infections in the gum or oral tissue 
• Discomfort or tension in the cheeks, lips, or jaw 
• Accelerated bone loss in the jaw

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a dentist or prosthodontist promptly. 

When you get your dentures for the first time, it is quite likely that you will be recommended to wear them most of the time, even while sleeping. This is so that your gums and tissues can adjust themselves to the shape of your new prosthetic teeth. 

As soon as your gums adjust to the underside of the dentures, you will need to start removing them before going off to sleep. 

No dentist will recommend that you wear your dentures 24×7 once your gums become used to them. There are several reasons behind that, some of which include:

• If you don’t remove your dentures ever, you are basically creating a thriving environment for bacteria in your mouth. 
• The soft tissue that your dentures cover will never get exposed to fresh air and could sustain physical damage in the long run. 
• Your dentures are supported by your jawbone. This essentially means that the dentures apply pressure to the gum tissue and the underlying bones. Constant pressure can lead to bone resorption and eventual loss of bone density. 
• Not removing your dentures will not give you a chance to clean them, leading to severe oral health issues. 
• Continuous pressure on the oral tissues from dentures can lead to tissue damage, sores, and the development of pressure ulcers (denture sores).

The takeaway is that dentures can and should be worn most of the time, but not all the time, as it can lead to fairly undesirable complications. Deciding how many hours a day should you wear your new dentures is all about striking the right balance between oral health, personal comfort, and practicality. 

Every person’s experience with dentures can differ vastly. That is why it is important to work closely with your dental professional and establish a routine that works best for you. 

At Rainier Ave Dental, we can give you all the information about how long you should wear your dentures, how you can adjust to them, and how you can care for them. 

Contact us at (206) 725-3667 and schedule your appointment today!