If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start feeling normal.
Do not be alarmed if it feels like you have a foreign object in your mouth after you first get dentures. This is normal, and it takes some time to get used to them. This transition process often goes a bit quicker if you follow certain tips.
You need to get used to wearing dentures, but your gums and soft tissues in the mouth also must adapt. Immediately after placing the dentures, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments for fit. However, you may still notice some discomfort over the next couple of weeks.
The dentist may recommend that you take the dentures out occasionally to give your gums a break. If sores develop on the gums, rinse with salt water to ease the pain and keep them clean. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help if you have swelling or discomfort.
As your jaw settles and the gums heal, your dentures will probably require additional adjustments. Your dentist will take care of this as necessary for your comfort and a proper fit.
Your cheek muscles assist in talking and eating, and those two tasks become a little easier if you exercise the muscles. You can get a head start by beginning the exercises before you get your new dentures. The process is easy: All you need to do is smile really wide and hold it for about 20 seconds. You should do this four or five times daily.
When it comes to adjusting to new dentures, speaking can be a challenge. Talking may feel awkward, and certain sounds are sometimes hard to pronounce at first. Make sure you use the right dental adhesive to help to keep the dentures in place.
Practice speaking out loud at home before talking in front of anyone else. It may help to bite down gently and then swallow before speaking. Talking in front of a mirror and singing are also helpful.
Eating is also difficult at first. In the beginning, select soft foods for meals, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft pasta, mashed bananas, and scrambled eggs, since they are gentle on your gums and help you get used to eating with dentures. You should chew slowly and take small bites. To avoid damaging the dentures, refrain from crunchy, hard, and sticky foods.
Although adjusting to new dentures is not fun, it is worth it to have a new and improved smile. Ease into wearing them and practice the more challenging tasks so you can utilize them with confidence.
Request an appointment here: https://www.riverfrontdentalassociates.com or call Riverfront Dental Associates at (423) 303-7869 for an appointment in our Chattanooga office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Adjusting to New Dentures in Chattanooga, TN.
Patients who are adjusting to new dentures may be interested in what types of materials are used to create them. There are several options to choose from when deciding on what kind of dentures to get. A few factors a patient should consider are whether he or she needs partial or full dentures, how long…
A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat infection or address damage. While it is not a dentist’s first choice, it can be necessary when no other options will save the tooth. If you are scheduled for a root canal, you may have heard that this procedure causes…
Dental fillings can last a long time, but they are not life-long restorations. Most fillings will need to be replaced after around a decade, with some types lasting longer than others. If you are wondering whether it is time to replace your old dental filling, be aware that as long as it is continuing to…
If you are debating whether to invest in a smile makeover — or if you have already made this decision — knowing whether a cosmetic dentist is the right professional to trust is your next step. Many people want to go to their regular dentist for cosmetic treatments, but there are advantages to finding a…
If you need a root canal, you should schedule the procedure as soon as possible…
A new filling can be placed to address decay, but it should be done quickly…
Trusting your smile to a dentist is a big commitment, so choosing the right type…
Clear aligners are a discreet way of straightening the teeth.
Because Invisalign® is removable, wearers are encouraged to keep the actual piece in for 22…
Having toddlers see a general dentist regularly helps ensure that their teeth remain clean and…
