How to Eat With Upper & Lower Dentures

It can be difficult for denture wearers to eat while wearing their upper and lower plates. It takes proper-fitting dentures, the best-quality dentures, adhesives or implants and a lot of patience. All are worthwhile, because if denture wearers avoid certain hard-to-chew foods, their nutrition and health can suffer.

Instructions

• 1

  Wait until at least six months after tooth extractions to try eating with a lower denture. The lower bone and soft tissue must heal enough to withstand the pressure of a lower denture during eating.

• 2

  Use adhesive, especially for the lower denture. Upper dentures may have enough suction to stay in place while eating. Lower dentures usually don't have enough suction to stay in place. It's normal for denture wearers to need adhesive for their lower dentures.

• 3

  Consider dental implants to keep the lower dentures in place while eating if adhesives aren't working. Your dentist can place two to four screw-like devices into the lower jaw to hold the lower denture in place. Without implants or adhesive, learning to eat with lower dentures is almost impossible. A lot of biting force is balanced on the very small surface of the narrow, lower jaw bone.

• 4

  Maintain the fit of your upper and lower dentures. Dentures become loose and unstable with wear. Upper and lower dentures should be checked for fit at least once a year; more often if they are not fitting properly. Dentures will need the tissue side resurfaced periodically for good fit.

• 5

  Buy quality dentures once you are ready to buy permanent dentures. Better-quality dentures will give you a better eating experience.

• 6

  Replace your dentures as needed. Due to the porous nature of the acrylic or porcelain from which the dentures are made, and due to changes in the shape of the mouth, even the best-quality dentures need to be replaced about every three years.