- Leave dentures in for the first 48 hours, removing only to clean.
After 48 hours:
- Remove at night while sleeping.
- Remove at least once daily for cleaning.
Cleaning:
- Brush dentures daily.
- Soak in denture cleaner if desired.
- Use mild dish soap if needed.
- Do not use toothpaste.
Important Expectations for Immediate Dentures
Because immediate dentures are made before teeth are removed, there are some unique challenges:
- Esthetics and bite cannot be fully verified beforehand.
- Perfect results cannot be guaranteed.
- Fit will change significantly during healing, and relines will be necessary to catch up with changes.
- Looseness is normal during the healing phase.
- Sore spots are common. Call early for adjustments if sore spots develop — do not wait for sores to become severe.
For these reasons, immediate dentures are often considered "temporary" or "healing dentures." A second denture may be needed after healing (roughly six months) to overcome these challenges.
FAQ
How long should I wear immediate dentures?
Leave immediate dentures in for the first 48 hours, removing only to clean. After 48 hours, remove them at night while sleeping.
Are sore spots normal with immediate dentures?
Sore spots are common. Call early for adjustments instead of waiting for severe sores.
Will immediate dentures get loose?
Yes. Fit changes significantly during healing, and looseness is normal during the healing phase. Relines will be needed.
Last updated: August 2026
Reviewed by Dr. Jeff Muszynski