September 8, 2026
Getting Dentures: What to Expect From Your First Visit to Long-Term Care
Getting dentures is a big step toward restoring your smile, but it’s natural to have questions about the process. How long does it take? Will they feel comfortable? What happens if they stop fitting properly?
Whether you’re considering dentures for the first time or have been wearing them for years, understanding what to expect can make the experience easier.
At Pearl Dental Associates, we help patients in Holbrook, Scituate, and surrounding South Shore communities explore tooth replacement options that fit their needs. Here’s what you should know about getting dentures, adjusting to them, and keeping them in good condition for years to come.
Step 1: Your Initial Denture Consultation
The first step in getting dentures is meeting with your dentist to discuss your oral health, concerns, and treatment goals.
- During your consultation, your dentist will typically:
- Examine your gums, remaining teeth, and overall oral health.
- Review your dental and medical history.
- Take X-rays or other diagnostic images when needed.
- Discuss your options for replacing missing teeth.
- Explain the expected treatment timeline and costs.
If you have remaining teeth that are damaged or affected by advanced gum disease, your dentist will determine whether they can be preserved or need treatment before dentures are made.
The goal of this appointment is to develop a personalized treatment plan that supports your comfort, oral health, and long-term needs.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Type of Dentures
Not all dentures are the same. The best option depends on how many teeth you’re missing, your oral health, and your personal preferences.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch of missing teeth. They rest on the gums and are designed to restore the appearance of your smile while improving your ability to chew and speak.
Traditional full dentures are removable for daily cleaning.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth when some healthy natural teeth remain. They typically use clasps or other attachments for support and help fill gaps in your smile.
Learn more about our full and partial dentures at Pearl Dental Associates.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone, providing additional stability compared with conventional removable dentures.
Depending on the restoration, they may be removable or fixed in place.
For patients interested in a fixed full-arch tooth replacement option, All-on-X dental implants may also be worth exploring.
Your dentist can explain the benefits, limitations, and maintenance requirements of each option before you make a decision.
Step 3: The Denture Fitting Process
Once you’ve chosen your denture type, your dentist will begin the process of creating your new appliance.
For conventional dentures, this generally involves taking impressions or digital scans of your mouth, recording how your jaws come together, and evaluating the appearance and positioning of your replacement teeth.
You may have a trial fitting to review how your dentures look and feel before the final appliance is completed.
How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures?
The timeline varies depending on your treatment needs. If your gums have already healed and no additional procedures are necessary, conventional dentures may be completed over several appointments spanning a few weeks.
If teeth need to be extracted, your dentist may recommend waiting for the tissues to heal before making conventional dentures. This healing process can take several months.
Immediate dentures are another option. These are prepared in advance and placed shortly after tooth extraction, allowing patients to have replacement teeth during healing. However, they often require adjustments or relining as the gums and jawbone change.
Implant-supported options follow a different timeline and may involve several months of healing before the final restoration is placed.
Your dentist will provide a more accurate timeline based on your individual treatment plan.
Step 4: Adjusting to Your New Dentures
It’s normal for new dentures to feel unfamiliar at first. Your mouth needs time to adjust to the appliance, and everyday activities like eating and speaking may take some practice.
- During the first few weeks, you may experience:
- Mild soreness or pressure in certain areas.
- Increased saliva production.
- Difficulty pronouncing certain words.
- Changes in how food feels when chewing.
- A sensation that your dentures are bulky or slightly loose.
These challenges often improve as you become more comfortable wearing your dentures.
Tips for Getting Used to Dentures
Start with softer foods and take smaller bites while learning to chew with your new appliance. Chewing slowly and using both sides of your mouth can help improve stability.
Practicing speaking or reading aloud can also help you adjust to changes in pronunciation.
Most importantly, attend your recommended follow-up appointments. Small adjustments can make a significant difference in how your dentures feel.
While some initial discomfort is common, persistent pain, significant sores, or difficulty wearing your dentures should be evaluated by your dentist.
Step 5: Caring for Your Dentures Every Day
Proper care plays an important role in keeping your dentures clean, comfortable, and functional.
Just like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque, food particles, and stains.
To maintain your dentures:
- Brush them daily. Use a soft denture brush and a nonabrasive cleanser designed for your appliance.
- Rinse after meals. Remove food particles and debris when possible.
- Avoid harsh cleaning products. Abrasive toothpaste, household bleach, and hot water can damage certain denture materials.
- Remove dentures overnight. Unless your dentist recommends otherwise, give your gums time to rest while you sleep.
- Store them properly. Most removable dentures should be kept moist when not being worn, according to your dentist’s instructions.
Don’t forget to clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth.
Your dentist can also recommend a denture cleanser and soaking routine appropriate for your specific appliance.
Step 6: Maintaining Your Dentures Over the Years
Getting dentures isn’t the end of the process. Your mouth naturally changes over time, and those changes can affect how your dentures fit.
After tooth loss, the jawbone gradually changes shape and loses volume. As a result, dentures that once fit comfortably may become loose or begin rubbing against your gums.
This is why regular dental visits remain important, even if you no longer have any natural teeth.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Many conventional dentures last approximately 5 to 10 years, but their actual lifespan varies.
Some patients need adjustments, relining, or replacement sooner, while others may be able to continue using their dentures longer.
Rather than relying on a specific number of years, your dentist will evaluate the condition of your dentures and how well they fit. The team at Pearl Dental Associates is committed to making sure you feel fully informed and comfortable before any treatment begins. You can learn more on our full and partial dentures page.
What Is a Denture Reline?
A denture reline involves modifying the surface of the denture base that rests against your gums to improve its fit.
Relining may be recommended when your gums and jawbone have changed but the denture itself is still in good condition.
If the denture is significantly worn, damaged, or no longer provides proper function, replacement may be the better option.
Signs Your Dentures May Need an Adjustment or Replacement
Contact your dentist if you notice:
- Dentures that frequently slip or feel loose.
- Persistent gum soreness or irritation.
- Difficulty chewing foods you previously ate comfortably.
- Changes in your bite.
- Cracks, chips, or worn denture teeth.
- Increasing reliance on denture adhesive to keep them in place.
These symptoms don’t always mean you need a new set of dentures, but they are signs that your appliance should be evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Dentures
Does getting dentures hurt?
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Do I still need dental checkups if I have full dentures?
Who will I see for adjustments?
Are dental implants better than traditional dentures?
Explore Your Denture Options at Pearl Dental Associates
Whether you’re considering your first set of dentures or have been wearing them for years, having the right dental team makes a difference.
At Pearl Dental Associates, we offer personalized restorative dental care to help patients throughout Holbrook, Scituate, and the South Shore maintain their oral health and feel confident in their smiles.
From your initial consultation to ongoing denture adjustments and maintenance, our team is here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your care.
Start with our contact page or contact Pearl Dental Associates to schedule an appointment and learn more about your tooth replacement options.
Teresa Salem, DMD
Dr. Teresa Salem is a recognized leader in dental implantology and same-day smile makeovers, having placed thousands of implants and completed hundreds of complex All-on-X cases. With nearly three decades of experience, she combines advanced technology, an in-house digital workflow, and patient-centered care to deliver efficient, high-quality treatment with greater affordability. A Diplomate of the International Dental Implant Association and nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Salem is trusted by both patients and providers for her clinical expertise and compassionate approach.
