When most people get dentures, the focus is on those first few weeks: learning how to speak clearly, getting comfortable with eating, and managing sore spots. But what many new denture wearers don’t realize is that the real journey continues well past the first year.
At Woodside Denture Centre in Edmonton, we often see patients returning after their first year of wearing dentures with questions like:
- “Why do my dentures feel looser than when I first got them?”
- “Why am I biting my cheek more often?”
- “Do I still need checkups if my dentures feel fine?”
The truth is, your mouth, jaw, and even your dentures themselves continue to change in subtle but important ways. As a leading Alberta denture clinic, we’re here to guide you through these changes. Here are some unique, expert-level insights into what happens after year one with dentures, and what you should be prepared for.
- Natural Bone and Gum Changes Continue
One of the biggest surprises to patients is that the shape of the mouth continues to change long after extractions heal.
- After teeth are removed, the jawbone naturally resorbs (shrinks) because it no longer has the stimulation of tooth roots.
- This bone loss is most rapid in the first 12 months, but it continues gradually every year.
- As bone and gum tissue change, dentures that once fit snugly may begin to feel loose or unstable.
Clinical Insight: This is why denture relines (resurfacing the inside of your denture to match your changing gums) are recommended around the 12- to 18-month mark. Ignoring this adjustment can lead to sore spots, difficulty chewing, and accelerated bone loss.
- Denture Wear Affects How You Chew Over Time
At first, many new denture wearers adapt by eating softer foods. But after a year, patients often start testing crunchier, tougher foods — and that’s when they notice:
- Uneven bite pressure
- Difficulty breaking down harder textures
- Food is getting trapped underneath the denture
Expert Tip from Woodside: This isn’t just about food choice. Over time, the occlusion (how your upper and lower dentures meet) can change as bone resorption alters your bite. That’s why annual checkups are critical — your denturist can assess whether an occlusal adjustment is needed.
- Subtle Speech Adjustments Re-Appear
Most patients master speaking with dentures in the first few weeks. But after a year, we often hear:
- “I’m lisping again.”
- “Certain words don’t sound as crisp.”
Why? Because fit changes affect tongue placement and airflow. A slightly loosened denture can make the same words harder to pronounce.
Clinical Perspective: A simple adjustment or reline can restore fit and eliminate speech concerns. Without correction, patients may unconsciously overcompensate, leading to jaw tension or frustration in social situations.
- Oral Health Beyond the Dentures
Even though dentures replace natural teeth, oral health doesn’t stop being important:
- Tissue changes: Denturists look for early signs of oral lesions, fungal infections, or sore spots.
- Bone health: Long-term bone loss can sometimes make future implant options more complicated.
- TMJ (jaw joint) strain: An imbalanced bite can place pressure on the jaw joints, causing discomfort.
Woodside’s Approach: At every annual checkup, we perform a complete oral exam to ensure no underlying issues are missed. This proactive care helps preserve your comfort and health for years to come.
- The Emotional Side of Year One and Beyond
By the one-year mark, many denture wearers report a new kind of challenge: emotional acceptance.
- Some feel self-conscious about removing dentures around loved ones — a feeling that’s common when adjusting to new dentures.
- Others worry about long-term function — “Will my dentures last forever?”
- A few may even feel frustrated if they expected dentures to behave exactly like natural teeth.
Practical Advice: These feelings are normal. Talking openly with your denturist about adjustments, implant-supported options, or simple strategies (like having a “denture care routine” for travel or social events) can make a big difference in confidence.
- Denture Maintenance Needs Change
Many new wearers start with very diligent cleaning routines. But after a year, shortcuts sometimes creep in — like rinsing instead of soaking overnight, or forgetting to brush the gums.
Long-term reality:
- Plaque and bacteria still accumulate on dentures.
- Poor cleaning can cause staining, odor, or fungal infections.
- Acrylic materials themselves can degrade if not cared for properly.
Expert Insight: Denture maintenance, professional denture polishing, and denture cleaning every 12 months keep your appliance in optimal shape. Just as natural teeth need dental cleanings, dentures benefit from professional care.
- Considering the Next Step: Implant-Supported Dentures
After a year of full dentures, many patients begin asking about surgery alternatives and implant options to enhance stability and comfort. Why? They’ve experienced first-hand the challenges of looseness, reduced bite force, or limitations in food choices.
- Implant-supported dentures offer stability and better chewing efficiency.
- They help preserve bone in ways traditional dentures can’t.
- They can dramatically improve comfort and confidence.
At Woodside Denture Centre, we often revisit implant options after year one because patients have now lived the reality of dentures — and understand where they want improvement.
Why Annual Checkups Matter
Just because your dentures “still fit” doesn’t mean nothing has changed. A yearly checkup allows us to:
- Check for fit changes and recommend a reline if needed
- Inspect oral tissues for irritation or abnormalities
- Evaluate bite and jaw alignment
- Professionally clean and polish dentures
Think of it like a tune-up for your smile — ensuring your appliance keeps working as intended.
Final Thoughts
The first year with dentures is full of learning, but it’s only the beginning. By year one, your mouth has already changed, your dentures may need adjustments, and your needs as a patient are evolving.
At Woodside Denture Centre in Edmonton, our goal is to help you navigate every stage of the denture journey — not just the first few weeks. Whether you need a reline, a professional cleaning, or want to explore implant-supported options, our expertise ensures you’ll enjoy comfort, function, and confidence well into the future.