If you’re nervous or having concerns about making the transition to dentures, you’re not alone. Millions of people every year are faced with tooth loss and begin their journey toward finding the perfect smile once again.
We have compiled some tips and advice on what to expect once you get your dentures, and how you can prepare to adjust to them faster.
Are Dentures Uncomfortable?
It will be normal to experience discomfort in the first 30-40 days of having your new dentures. You’ll have a foreign object in your mouth that is going to feel bulky, you’ll have excess saliva production, and you might begin to feel frustrated as you try to figure out having a new set of teeth in your mouth.
This is all normal. Your gums will likely be healing and your surrounding teeth will need to adjust to having the dentures in your mouth. You can always come back to your denture specialist if you are having sharp or pinching pain that is unbearable as it is likely you’ll need an adjustment or reline.
To help with gum soreness, it is recommended to remove your dentures before bed and rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution. It is not advised to continue removing your dentures throughout the day, because you need your mouth to get used to them.
You will likely be using your dentures similar to teeth after 60 days with a brand new smile that will feel like it was always yours.
In the long-term, if you notice your dentures are not fitting well anymore, it is important that you go into the dentist to see if you need an adjustment or an alignment. It is also possible that you may need a new type of denture, depending on your situation.
Can I Eat With Dentures?
Yes, but make sure you only eat very soft foods for the first few weeks and avoid excessively hot meals or drinks as your gums will be very sensitive.
Chew slowly and carefully to avoid scraping your dentures or risk having them fall out. Some patients also report tongue and/or cheek sores from accidentally biting down too quickly when eating.
Slowly work up to eating more dense or difficult foods after 6-8 weeks and make sure to keep in contact with your dentist if you’re still having problems.
Eating with Dentures vs. Implants
If you get dental implants, you will have much less discomfort and you will be able to eat your normal foods much quicker as this type of denture is more secured into your mouth. This is a surgical procedure, so you will have a longer healing time in the short term, with more freedom in the long-term.
Patients with dental implants typically also expressed less discomfort and pain over time as the implants will slow or halt bone loss in the jaw.
Will I be able to speak normally with Dentures?
While your dentures may feel bulky and awkward at first, you will eventually learn to speak normally with them. We suggest practicing speaking in front of a mirror with your dentures in to provide the quickest time for you to get used to your new dentures. When fitted properly, you shouldn’t have much issue with this after a week or two.
Some people worry that their dentures will fall out of their mouth when they speak. While this could happen, your denture dentist will discuss how to properly suction your dentures to your gums and will offer good brands of oral adhesive that will keep your smile going all day.
When You Choose Affordable Dentures
Making the transition to dentures is a big life change, and our experienced professionals are here to support you every step of the way.
Your local Affordable Dentures & Implants practice is part of the nation’s largest network of dental practices focusing exclusively on tooth replacement, and our network aims to make sure that each patient leaves their office with their best smile yet.
Contact a local denture practice near you to schedule your initial consultation today.