How to Insert & Position Dentures

You must be able to insert your dentures and position them correctly, or else you could be setting yourself up for dental problems and gum pain down the road. Your gums might shrink and you could have trouble eating and speaking. The dentist should make your dentures fit perfectly before you leave the office, but if you get home and have trouble making them fit again, follow these simple directions to make them fit snug against your gums.

Things You'll Need

• Denture cleaning solution
• Baking soda
• Water
• Denture adhesive

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the dentures off thoroughly with a denture cleaning solution before you place them in your mouth. They must be very dry and clean in order to get a good suction grip on your gums.

• 2

  Spread denture adhesive onto the dentures. Don't use too much; you only need a few dabs along the top. Adhesives come in several forms: powder, strips and paste. Use what works best for you. If the dentist has properly fitted the dentures to your gums, you shouldn't need adhesive at all, but it adds some extra security.

• 3

  Gargle with a mixture of baking soda and water to clean your mouth.

• 4

  Place the dentures against your gums and push to make them adhere. Bite down firmly to make sure they are in place. Your bite should feel comfortable and if it doesn't, move the dentures around until it does. The dentures should have a suction tension to your gums and should not wiggle or move around in your mouth. If they do, add more adhesive and repeat this procedure.

• 5

  See a dentist if your dentures keep falling out despite following these steps. He may need to fix them to make them tighter against your gums. You should see a dentist every three years for a new denture fitting, since your gums might shrink over time.