Dentures are an effective and affordable treatment for tooth loss, and denture technology has come a long way in recent years. However, adjusting to life with dentures can take a bit of time. They will feel different than your natural teeth, and you will have to learn how to use them properly.
But don’t worry. We are here to help guide you through. Here is a quick guide to help get you started on your journey to embracing your new dentures.
Managing your expectations is important. When you first get your dentures, you should expect some discomfort. Rest assured that this will not last forever.
Much of the immediate discomfort you feel will have a lot to do with having your teeth extracted. Follow your post-treatment instructions carefully and take prescribed or recommended medications to avoid infection and help with the pain.
Dentures themselves can be irritating at first since you are not used to having them in your mouth. Adjusting to new dentures will take about a month, so be patient. However, if you are experiencing significant pain, you should contact our office, as we may be able to help.
Getting a great fit with your dentures is one of the most important things you can do to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. But this may not happen right away. Your gums will change shape after tooth extraction and as you get used to your dentures. For that reason, you will almost certainly need to have them adjusted and may need to do so more than once until you get a good fit.
It is okay to take a break from your dentures once in a while if your gums are sore. Always store dentures in water or denture solution so they stay clean and do not become dry and brittle. You should also remove dentures at night while you sleep. This will give your gums a rest as well as help you to avoid bacterial buildup.
Just because you have new dentures doesn’t mean you can let oral hygiene go. You will have to learn new ways to clean your dentures and your mouth. While this may be unfamiliar at first, it will soon become a habit.
You will need to gently brush your gums as you did with your teeth twice a day. You should also brush your dentures every day and soak them overnight in a mild denture solution.
You may be surprised to learn that speaking is a little tricky at first. That’s normal! Take some private time to practice by singing along to your favorite music or reading a book or magazine out loud. This may see silly, but it will help you to quickly adjust to speaking with your dentures.
Eating with dentures may take a little longer to figure out, but you will adjust in time. Start with soft foods to stay nourished while you learn to eat with your dentures. This includes broth, mashed potatoes, applesauce, pudding, warm oatmeal, and yogurt.
As you move beyond softer foods, the next step is to cut food into small pieces. This way, you can get used to chewing with your new dentures. Again, start with softer options such as eggs, cooked vegetables, pasta, and fish before you move on to harder, chewier choices like chicken and beef.
You may want to avoid hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and hard candies that can damage your dentures, and sticky options like caramel, taffy, toffee, and gummies which can dislodge your dentures or be tough on your gums.
A little dab of denture adhesive can go a long way in keeping your new dentures in place. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions about using denture adhesive.
Getting dentures can be a life-altering experience, but with practice, you will become accustomed to your dentures in time. And many problems are solved with a good fit. We are here to guide you through the process.
If you believe you need an adjustment for a better fit, or if you have any questions about adjusting to life with dentures, don’t hesitate to call our office and schedule an appointment.
