Eating may feel different with a new denture. Give yourself room to practise, and tell your clinician if movement or discomfort is getting in the way.
Start with manageable meals.
Begin with soft foods and smaller pieces. Chewing on both sides can help avoid tipping the denture. Gradually try firmer foods as you become more comfortable.
It is easier to notice what is happening when you start slowly. Avoid using the first few meals as a test of whether you can manage the toughest food you normally eat.
Notice what feels difficult.
Is it biting, chewing, food collecting underneath, or soreness in one area? Tell your clinician which foods are difficult and whether the denture moves in a particular way.
These details are more useful than simply saying that eating is awkward. If you have been given specific instructions after extractions, follow those.
Ask for help with persistent problems.
Contact the clinic if pain or instability persists. Do not file the denture or bend any clasps to try to change the fit.
Our guide to slipping dentures lists the details to bring to a fit assessment. A new material alone is not an answer to every eating problem.
Keep care simple.
Use the cleaning routine recommended for your denture. If you are eating out, think ahead about what you will be comfortable choosing and how you will clean the denture afterwards.
Read the cleaning guide or arrange a consultation if your current set is making meals difficult.
Further reading: Cambridge University Hospitals: eating with dentures. General information; your clinician will advise on your own dentures.