How to Keep Temporary Dentures in Place

Temporary dentures, also known as immediate dentures, are artificial teeth that are inserted after all teeth are extracted. Temporary dentures can contribute to the breakdown of gums, which need to be intact to grip the dentures firmly in place. Not only can immediate dentures become uncomfortable, they can also make a person feel self-conscious if they are constantly shifting out of place. There are many successful methods of keeping temporary dentures in place. As the oral cavity goes through the healing process, review any 'shifting' denture problems with your dentist to follow-up on any special immediate denture care.

Things You'll Need

• adhesives or powders
• Oral hygiene products

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Apply denture adhesives or powders. Overtime, dentures can become loose, but denture adhesives or powders can temporarily keep them in place. Clean and dry dentures thoroughly before applying any denture adhesive.

• 2

  Use special care when wearing dentures. The lips, tongue, and jaw can sometimes dislodge the denture, causing it to shift and move out of place. Do not use your tongue to punch the denture out of place. Keep the tongue's tip out of contact with the lower front teeth to improve the denture’s stability and tightness.

• 3

  Do not eat certain foods that will cause the dentures to dislodge out of place such as hard, sticky foods. Stick with soft, chewy foods that are easier on the dentures.

• 4

  Take small bites, and chew food slowly. Distribute food throughout all areas of the mouth while chewing to prevent wear and tear on one side of your dentures. Bite from the side of the mouth first (as the side teeth are durable enough to withstand harder foods than the front teeth) when eating harder foods.

• 5

  Get your dentures relined or rebased by a dentist. Relining uses either a hard or soft surface on the denture to create a secure fit against the gums. Rebasing replaces the entire denture’s base. While this procedure is more complex, it allows the dentures to have a firmer grip on the gums, which keeps it from slipping out of place.