Missing teeth already come with their own struggles and although dentures are supposed to help, it can often feel like they cause even more problems!
If you’re considering dentures as a solution to missing teeth, you’ll want to go in with your eyes wide open. Here are some first time denture wearer problems you could encounter with your temporary fix to missing teeth.
First Time Wearing Dentures?
If you’ve been missing out on eating foods you like, dealing with dental pain, and feeling self-conscious about your smile, dentures may not be the solution you think they’ll be.
Difficulty Eating
One of the biggest surprises for new denture wearers? Eating isn’t always easy.
You may think dentures will instantly restore your ability to bite into a sandwich, chew steak, or enjoy crunchy foods—but that’s likely not the case. Many people describe eating with dentures as:
- Feeling like chewing with rubber
- Biting into food but not being able to tear it
- Getting food stuck under the dentures, causing pain
Hard foods, sticky foods, and even some vegetables may become off-limits. And forget about chewing gum—that’s a recipe for frustration.
Trouble Speaking
Dentures are foreign to the mouth and can take some getting used to. Whether it’s changes in the way your mouth moves or an uncomfortable fit, dentures can make talking feel unnatural– at least for a while.
Common complaints from first-time denture wearers include:
- Slurred speech
- Excessive saliva production (This can potentially cause you to spit when you talk!)
- Whistling sounds when pronouncing certain words
Your tongue and lips may have to relearn how to form words, which could be embarrassing for some when speaking in public. Unfortunately for some, this awkward adjustment period never fully goes away.
Sores & Gag Reflex
Dentures sit on top of your gums, relying on suction, adhesive, or metal clasps to stay in place.
This can lead to:
- Sores and irritation—especially in the first few weeks
- A strong gag reflex, particularly with upper dentures
- The feeling that your dentures are “too big” for your mouth
For many, these issues don’t go away. Instead, they become something you just have to learn to live with.

Infections
One of the first time denture wearer problems that surprises people is their impact on health. Dentures create a warm, moist environment—the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and infections.
Common infections among denture wearers include:
- Denture stomatitis – Red, swollen, painful gums caused by yeast overgrowth
- Cheilitis – Cracked, inflamed corners of the mouth from bacterial infections
- Sore spots – Areas where dentures rub against the gums, leading to ulcers
Even if you meticulously clean your dentures, the risk of infection is always present—especially as your jawbone shrinks over time, causing dentures to fit poorly.
Maintenance
Dentures require daily upkeep, and it’s not as simple as brushing your natural teeth.
- They must be removed and soaked overnight
- They need special cleaners and brushes
- Adhesive needs to be reapplied, daily or more frequently depending on fit of your dentures
- They will likely require relining or replacement every few years as the jawbone shrinks
It can seem like a never-ending cycle of care and adjustments—and the worst part? Your jaw continues to shrink, making dentures looser and less effective over time. Not to mention how a shrinking jaw impacts your health overtime!
While seeming to be cheaper than permanent solutions initially, the cost of dentures can add up overtime. Alternatively, the cost of dental implants (a permanent solution) is a one-time, fixed cost.
Get the Dental Implant Cost Guide Here
Tips for First Time Denture Wearers
If you’ve already committed to dentures or are a first time denture wearer, here are a few things you can do to make the adjustment easier:
- Start with soft foods – Mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs will be your best friends for a while.
- Practice speaking – Read out loud, sing, and work on pronouncing tricky words.
- Use a good adhesive – A little extra security can help prevent slipping.
- Clean them properly – Avoid infections by following a strict cleaning routine.
- Prepare for frequent adjustments – As your mouth changes, so will the fit of your dentures.
But if you haven’t made the leap to dentures yet, there’s a solution that doesn’t come with these hassles.
Your One Time Fix for All Denture Problems
If you haven't committed to dentures yet, there's something you need to know—you don’t have to.
Dentures have been the default option for missing teeth for decades for their seemingly lower cost, but they come with limitations that never really go away.
Instead of adapting to discomfort, dealing with adhesives, and accepting a lifetime of adjustments, there’s a permanent solution that eliminates first time denture wearer problems for good.
Dental implants are designed to function like natural teeth, anchoring directly into the jawbone to create a strong, stable foundation for a set of fake teeth that don’t rub on the gums.
Unlike dentures, they don’t slip, they don’t require messy adhesives, and they don’t lead to long-term bone loss. Dental implant patients share that their teeth feel natural, their bite stays strong, and their smile feels incredibly secure.
For those who have struggled with missing or failing teeth, this is a life-changing transformation.

Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours
At Nuvia, the process of getting dental implants isn’t what you’ll find at any old dental office.
While traditional implant methods require patients to wear a temporary set of dentures for months, waiting for their final set of teeth, Nuvia’s approach gets rid of the wait. Patients wake up with failing or missing teeth one day and 24 hours later return to get a full set of fixed, zirconia teeth.
This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality and freedom. Instead of worrying about dentures slipping mid-conversation or avoiding your favorite foods, you get teeth that allow you to live normally from day one. The best part? These aren’t temporary placeholders. These are your permanent teeth, designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
If you’ve experienced first time denture wearer problems, are tired of temporary solutions and want a real fix for missing teeth, it’s time to explore your one time fix.
Take the 60-second quiz to see if you may be a candidate for permanent teeth in 24 hours.