Most people who get dentures expect them to solve their dental problems. For some, they do — at least at first. But as Dan learned, there’s a lot about life with dentures that nobody really talks about.
Dan had his dentures for just six months before realizing he needed something actually permanent. As he put it, “The first time I put these in my mouth — instant gag.”
If you’re considering dentures, or already have them, here are 10 things you should know — and how a more permanent smile could change everything you thought you had to settle for.
1. The Gag Reflex Is Real
When Dan first tried his dentures, the reaction was immediate:
“The first time I put these in my mouth, instant gag.”
This isn’t rare. Many people experience a strong gag reflex when dentures cover the roof of the mouth. The sensation can make it difficult — even impossible — to wear them for long periods, especially when eating or talking.
To replace your top set of teeth without covering your palate, you either need implant supported dentures or, you can get a permanent, lasting solution with All-on-4® dental implants and zirconia teeth… more on that later.
2. Your Gums Often Take a Beating
Removing and replacing dentures multiple times a day can cause irritation and even small tears in the gum. Dan said,
“I actually tore the front of my gums pulling it out of there.”
Even well-fitted dentures can rub and cause sore spots. Over time, that constant friction can make it hard to keep them in comfortably all day.
3. They Don’t Stay Fitted Forever
Many people assume dentures, once fitted, will always stay snug. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Your mouth and gums keep changing as you heal and age, so dentures need frequent adjustments.
Dan explained, “You think when you get these fit right it’s going to be just as simple as can be — just plop them in, you’re good to go. That’s not the case because your mouth is constantly changing.”
This means re-gluing, realigning, and refitting becomes part of your routine — sometimes daily. Every few years or so it’s possible you’ll have to replace your dentures entirely as well. This is a big part of how people discover dentures can be much more expensive than they initially thought. You don’t just pay for them once, you’ll likely end up paying for them again and again as time goes on.
But if you’re looking for a one-and-done solution to failing or missing teeth, full mouth dental implants are the gold standard solution. No worries about paying for another set every 3-5 years, no taking them in and out, and no worries about bone loss changing the shape of your face or fit of your teeth.
Compare the cost of dentures to dental implants with the dental implant cost guide.
4. Adhesive Becomes a Way of Life
Every denture wearer eventually finds their favorite brand of glue or liner. But it’s a process. Adhesives can lose their hold at inconvenient times, leaving you reapplying several times a day.
It’s not uncommon for people to carry denture paste or pads everywhere they go — just in case.
5. Eating Isn’t What It Used to Be
Foods that used to be easy suddenly become difficult — not because you can’t chew, but because your dentures likely move. Crunchy or sticky foods can cause slipping, and seeds or small bits can get stuck underneath the denture, causing pain.
Dan shared, “Here's another bad – the hassle of constantly taking your dentures in and out, re-gluing, realigning, and then you think when you get these fit right it's going to be just as simple as can be. Just plop them in, you're good to go… That's not the case because your mouth is constantly changing.
You heal up, or you get maybe a seed underneath them. It causes an abrasion.”
For many, it’s a cycle of eat, clean, re-glue — repeat.
This is one of the biggest reasons denture wearers look for an actual solution. Full arch dental implants and zirconia teeth restore your ability to eat anything you’d like.
6. Your Taste May Change
Full upper dentures cover the roof of your mouth — where many of your taste buds are. That means your sense of taste can be reduced. Coffee, spicy foods, or even your favorite meal may not taste the same.
It’s a subtle change, but one that catches many denture wearers off guard.
7. They Can Affect How You Speak
Learning to talk with dentures takes time. The tongue has to relearn how to move around this new surface. Some people experience a lisp or slight slurring early on.
Dan mentioned it best when he said he couldn’t even use his turkey call reed with dentures:
“When I put my dentures in and try and put a reed in and try and make turkey sounds, it’s not good.”
If something as small as a turkey call changes, you can imagine what speaking adjustments can feel like at first.
8. They Might Give You Back Your Smile… But Not Your Freedom
One thing Dan did appreciate was how his dentures made him look:
“It did give me a lot of my confidence back about my smile and how I looked.”
A full smile with dentures can boost your appearance and help you feel more social again — but it doesn’t always mean comfort. Many denture wearers eventually find themselves frustrated with the maintenance and limitations that come with them.
9. The Hassle Adds Up
Cleaning, soaking, gluing, removing, adjusting — dentures require daily work. Dan said it clearly:
“The hassle of constantly taking your dentures in and out, re-gluing, realigning... I wasn’t ready to take that hassle and make it my daily life.”
For people who live busy lives, dentures can feel more like a chore than a solution.
Here’s a quick comparison that helps explain why some people, like Dan, eventually look for another option:
10. You’re in Luck! There’s a Lasting Option
After just six months, Dan decided enough was enough.
“I was scrolling through Facebook... and I came across an ad for a place called Nuvia. They claim teeth in twenty-four hours, one and done. And I thought to myself, well, that seems a lot easier and more permanent than what I've been going through with these dentures.”
Within days, Dan traded the frustration of dentures for something permanent — a new smile in just 24 hours.
Unlike traditional methods that can take up to 10+ months and leave patients wearing temporary “healing” teeth, Nuvia gives you your permanent, custom smile the very next day.
Here’s what makes the difference:
- Permanent zirconia teeth in 24 hours — no temporary dentures, no waiting months for your final smile.
- A dedicated in-house team including an oral surgeon, restorative doctor, and CRNA focused entirely on your care and safety.
- A state-of-the-art in-house lab where every set of teeth is custom-designed for precision, comfort, and natural beauty.
- Proven results backed by a 99.13% implant success rate, one of the highest documented nationwide.
After his procedure, Dan looked in the mirror for the first time and his one-word reaction said it all:
“Great.”
That single word summed up what so many others have felt after leaving dentures behind — relief, confidence, and the joy of a smile that finally feels like their own again.
Final Thoughts
Dentures can seem like the simplest fix — until you actually live with them. For some, they work fine. For others, they become a daily struggle of discomfort, glue, and adjustments.
If you’re tired of dealing with dentures or thinking about your next step, take the free 60-second quiz to see if you may be a candidate for permanent teeth in 24 hours.
(No pressure. No judgment. Just answers.)
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