How To Adjust to Your New Dentures

Congratulations on replacing your missing teeth with durable, natural-looking dentures! Now that your gorgeous grin has been restored, you are probably eager to begin using it to eat a more nutritious diet, smile confidently, and speak clearly. But not so fast! Although your prosthetics may look realistic and give you back all the benefits of a complete arch, they’ll still take some getting used to. Here’s a closer look at the adjustment period with new dentures, and how you can speed up the process so you can enjoy your terrific new teeth that much faster!

Day One

On your first day with new dentures, they may feel a little weird, especially if you’ve never had them before.  While you are likely excited to start using them, be patient with the process and understand that they may take a few weeks to get used to. To help your prosthetics mold to the shape of your mouth, it is important to keep them in place for 24 hours, including when you go to bed. After the first day, you should take them out at bedtime and soak them in a glass of water or denture solution overnight. Furthermore, be sure to remove them to brush and floss after each meal so they don’t accumulate food particles and plaque.

As for what to eat, your dentist recommends sticking to a soft diet for as long as necessary. This will make it easier for you to master chewing without increasing the strain on your arches and gums. Then, you can gradually add foods that are tougher in texture as your confidence with your restorations grows.

The First Two Weeks

During the first two weeks, you’ll be learning to eat and speak with your dentures. You may notice an increase in saliva during this time. It is also not uncommon to develop painful denture sores as your gums get used to your new prosthetics. Thankfully, these should stop as you get more comfortable using them. In the meantime, however, be sure to keep wearing them, as the best way to get acclimated is to keep practicing.

The First 30 Days

Within the next few weeks, you should notice your saliva levels returning to normal. If you are experiencing any speech difficulties such as a lisp, make note of which sounds and letters are giving you trouble, and practice saying them in front of a mirror. You can also narrate your day if you are alone or try to have as many conversations as possible to help get used to speaking with prosthetics in your mouth. While it may seem embarrassing and frustrating at first, with practice this should go away, and soon you should be able to converse with confidence!

Infinity, and Beyond

After the first month with your new dentures, you will likely be able to use them regularly without any issues. You should have no trouble chewing food that is tougher in texture, speaking clearly, and smiling without worry. You should also have less occurrences of denture sores or discomfort.

With proper care, your new dentures could last between five and seven years. In the meantime, should you notice any changes in how they feel or fit, or if they become damaged or too dirty to clean with regular brushing and soaking alone, contact your dentist for help. Furthermore, even if you have no remaining natural teeth, it is important to keep visiting your dentist every six months for your regular checkups. At these visits, he can help keep an eye on your oral health and screen for serious conditions like periodontal disease and oral cancer, as well as get your dentures looking and smelling their best with a professional cleaning.

Remember, even if you’ve been wearing dentures for a while, all new pairs come with a learning curve. Thus, don’t get frustrated if yours don’t work perfectly the moment you put them on. With a little patience and practice your new restorations should look and feel just like the real thing in as little as one month!

About Our Practice

At Anderson Dental Center, our team of caring and skilled dentists are pleased to offer durable, lifelike dentures to replace your missing teeth. If you’re ready to restore the appearance and functionality of your gorgeous grin, we’re here to help. To schedule a consultation for dentures, visit our website or call us today at 201-546-7435.