A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and the tissues connected to those teeth. It is made of acrylic and metal. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, while partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position. New denture wearers need time to get used to their new "teeth," because even the best-fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many patients takes several days to a few weeks to get accustomed to it. To get accustomed to chewing with a new denture, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. While you may be advised to wear your denture almost constantly during the first two weeks – even while you sleep – under normal circumstances it is considered best to remove it at night and soak the denture in cleansing solution or water. This promotes better long-term health of the gums.