Dentures can take some time to get used to, especially for patients who have been living with missing teeth for a long time. It’s normal to experience some minor soreness, tightness, or discomfort in the cheeks and jaw early on when the muscles in your mouth get used to speaking, chewing, and forming around the dentures. You may also have some difficulty making certain sounds or speaking comfortably at first, but with practice and time, you’ll be able to speak, chew, and smile as well as before dentures, if not better. Except for implant-supported dentures, dentures do not stimulate the jawbone, so even though they can help preserve the shape and structure of your mouth better than a mouth without teeth, you will still experience some bone deterioration or atrophy. This can affect how the dentures fit in your mouth, making them feel loose or unsecured or causing them to irritate your gums. You must have your dentures adjusted, refitted, or replaced every few years to ensure they are still in good condition and fit properly.