Dentures can make it easier for you to eat your favorite foods, communicate more clearly with your loved ones, and have more confidence in your appearance.
Despite the benefits, adjusting to new dentures can be challenging. Initially, a new set of dentures may feel strange or out of place in your mouth. Don’t be discouraged. The following tips may help you feel more comfortable and secure in your new smile in no time.
1. Know what to expect
The first step in adjusting to your new dentures may begin before you even receive them. During your initial denture consultation with your trusted North Miami dentist, ask questions to better understand what to expect during the transition.
Getting used to the fit
During your first few days with dentures, some challenges are totally normal:
- Tenderness or irritation. You may feel some pain or discomfort, especially if your dentist had to extract teeth before fitting the dentures.
- Lisping. You might speak with a lisp at first.
- Extra saliva. Your mouth might produce more saliva as an initial response to the new dentures.
- Mouth discomfort. New dentures may feel overly bulky or out of place before your mouth gets used to them.
When to contact a dentist
While some discomfort is normal, it’s important to know which side effects may point to an issue and require medical attention. You should reach out to your dentist if your dentures do the following:1
- Pinch your gums. Severe gum pain or pinching may point to a fit issue.
- Click when you talk. Several issues, including fit and suction problems, might lead to clicking.
- Feel loose, like they may fall out. Your dentist may need to readjust your dentures to make them tighter.
- Get damaged. Damaged dentures could hurt your mouth.
2. Adjust your diet gradually
Eating with dentures is often tricky at first. You may not want to chow down on a bacon cheeseburger right away, as you might hurt your gums or even knock your dentures loose. Instead, give yourself time to ease into your regular diet.
For the first couple of days, you may want to start with liquids like soup and smoothies. Then, when you feel comfortable, try moving to soft foods, like scrambled eggs, pasta, mashed potatoes, and boiled veggies. Practice chewing at the center of your mouth, especially if missing teeth previously limited you to eating with one side. Over time, gradually add tougher foods into the mix, like harder fruits and meats. You may have to cut them into small pieces, especially at first. Getting new dentures doesn’t mean you have to forgo certain favorites forever. You may just have to take your time and work up to tougher foods, like steak.
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3. Incorporate denture care into your routine
Caring for your dentures properly helps ensure their longevity and keeps your mouth clean. Make space in your everyday routine for proper denture care; that way, you won’t forget. If you have removable dentures, it’s important to take the following steps each day:2
- Remove and rinse your dentures thoroughly after every meal to remove food particles.
- Clean your mouth each time you remove your dentures. Use a washcloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush if you still have natural teeth.
- Brush your dentures once or twice a day. Soak them in water and brush them with a soft brush and gentle denture cleanser. Don’t use whitening toothpastes or harsh cleansers.
- Soak dentures overnight in water or a cleansing solution. Remember to rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.
4. Practice talking
In the long term, dentures may make speaking easier and help you enunciate certain words more clearly. However, in the short term, talking with dentures can be difficult. You may find yourself lisping or tripping over certain words as your muscles adapt to the change. While there’s nothing shameful or embarrassing about hiccups while you’re adjusting, they may be frustrating.
Practicing speaking with dentures may help you navigate certain social situations confidently. You might try role-playing conversations in the mirror or with a trusted loved one. Reading out loud is another approach. That way, you may identify words that are difficult and practice pronouncing them.
If singing is a big part of your life—whether you’re a member of a community choir or you go to karaoke every Friday night—make sure you practice singing with dentures in, too.
5. Give yourself grace
Dentures often require some major life adjustments. Like any big change, they take time to get used to. Make sure you give yourself the space you need to feel comfortable and adapt to shifts in your routine. If possible, you may want to take a week or two off from work to practice using your dentures.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cleaners, adhesives, and routines to find what works well for you. If you have any questions or think your dentures may need adjustments, check in with your dentist for support. Over time, you’ll find a rhythm and get back to the hobbies and foods that you love. If you currently struggle with missing teeth that make eating or socializing difficult, dentures may help. Reach out to a “dentist near me” today to discuss affordable dentures or alternatives that may improve your life.
