What New Dentures Can Feel Like (and Why)
Posted on: 7 May 2021
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New dentures shouldn't cause you pain. They will feel a bit awkward, a bit strange, and even slightly uncomfortable at first. What sort of discomfort should you expect, and are there any complications you should be on the lookout for?
Extra Weight
It's a reasonable thought that new dentures will feel a bit odd. As a rough guide, maxillary dentures (for your upper jaw) will weigh approximately 13.46 grams, and mandibular dentures (for your lower dentures) will weigh approximately 11.33 grams. Your dentures may even be slightly heavier. This means that your jaw will be handling an extra 25 grams of weight.
Accommodating the Weight
This might not sound like a lot, but the sudden appearance of this weight can result in your jaw feeling slightly strained, which is one of the reasons why new dentures can feel slightly uncomfortable. Rest assured that your jaw muscles will very quickly accommodate this extra weight.
Extra Bulk
It's also a reasonable thought that the physical mass of the dentures will make your mouth feel bulky, but once again, you will very quickly become accustomed to the feeling, and this feeling will be your new normal. The same can be said for any minor changes to speech caused by your tongue coming into contact with your newly installed dentures. Most of these feelings of awkwardness or discomfort will quickly be overcome and aren't any cause for concern. However, there's a potential complication you should be aware of when you start wearing your new dentures.
Friction Spots
An impression was taken of your mouth when you were being fitted for your dentures. The impression tray registered the precise contours of your upper or lower mouth (or both), and this was used to fabricate the denture plate (the resin tray that holds the prosthetic teeth). Although this process is as exact as possible, friction spots may become evident when the denture plate rubs against certain places in your mouth. This can be caused by the distribution of weight when you bite. These friction spots should be reported to your dentist during a follow-up appointment. Your denture plate will be adjusted, which is a light smoothing of the portion of the tray causing the friction spots.
While you should be aware of the possibility of friction spots, any other discomfort or awkwardness with your new dentures will quickly fade away, allowing you to use your dentures with comfort and confidence.