Adjusting to life with dentures can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time wearing them. But you don’t need to worry — with some patience and practice, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your new teeth in no time. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basics of what it takes to adjust to your dentures so that you can start smiling confidently again. From how long it typically takes for a person’s mouth and gums to get used to their new teeth, learning how diet choices affect how well they fit, as well as finding helpful support from fellow denture-wearers along the way – we cover all of this and more!
Getting Used to Wearing Dentures
Dentures are a type of dental prosthetic device often used to replace missing or severely damaged teeth. These false teeth, which can be made from plastic, resin, or metal materials, can be full or partial — meaning they can replace all of your teeth on the top and/or bottom arch of your mouth, or just one arch. Whether due to natural tooth decay, gum disease, injury, or other oral health concerns, dentures provide the necessary support and stability to maintain a strong bite while improving aesthetics. Additionally, dentures help prevent facial sagging that often develops with age when too many teeth are lost. With proper care and maintenance, dentures can last anywhere between 5-10 years providing an effective solution for those in need of replacing their missing or damaged teeth.
The first step of wearing dentures is learning how to insert and remove your dentures. Inserting and removing dentures safely is an essential part of keeping dentures in good health. Before inserting them, make sure your hands are clean and the area around your mouth is also clean and dry. Gently press the weighted side of the denture onto your gums and then begin biting; this helps ensure a snug fit. When it’s time to remove them, start by lifting up at the front of the dentures until they can be pulled away from your gums. Hold on to them tightly while they’re still in your hand, as you don’t want them to drop down into the sink or bowl. Proper insertion and removal of your dentures prevents damage, improves comfort levels, and allows them to last longer over time.
Now that we’ve discussed the basics on inserting and removing your dentures, let’s look at how to get used to your new smile. Dentures are different from your natural smile and they may take some getting used to. Although the first few weeks may be difficult or different than you imagined, once you get used to your new dentures things will be much more pleasant going forward. To help you get used to your dentures, here are a few tips:
Expect Things to be Different
Dentures are not like your natural teeth, therefore there will be some things about them that are different than what you are used to. When getting dentures for the first time, it is important to understand this and to set realistic expectations. For example, you can expect that basic things like eating and speaking may suddenly seem more difficult at first. Additionally, your dentures may cause some soreness in your gums, as well as general discomfort until your mouth adapts to them. Being aware of these things before having your dentures placed will make the transition easier.
Practice Speaking
This may sound a little odd at first, but because dentures can change the way you speak, practicing the way you speak can help you learn how to speak clearly with dentures. To practice, it is recommended to try reading out loud for at least a few minutes every day. As with most things, the more you practice, the faster you’ll progress. It has also been recommended that singing out loud can help improve your speech, so try singing in the car or the shower.
Start Out Soft
Although you may be tempted to go out and eat a huge meal of all your favorite foods, it is encouraged that you start out by eating soft foods until your mouth has adapted to your new dentures. This is because your gums may be sore from the dentures and trying to chew tougher foods can further gum irritation. The majority of people with dentures note that starting out with softer foods makes the transition much easier.
Try Different Adhesives
There are a variety of denture adhesives available for you to choose from. You can try asking your dentist or others with dentures which denture adhesive they recommend. However, you may need to try a few different adhesives before you find the best denture adhesive for your needs. Having the right type of adhesive will keep your dentures in place and reduce excess irritation.
Work Those Cheeks
Your cheek muscles are primarily responsible for moving food into the proper position to swallow. They are also essential for speaking and helping to keep your dentures in place. Therefore, exercising these muscles can help make eating, speaking, and securing your dentures easier. If possible, try to exercise your cheek muscles before having your dentures placed so that the muscles are already strengthened.
Attend Regular Checkups with Your Dentist
Visiting your dentist regularly is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health. Having checkups with your dentist allows you to discuss any potential concerns or changes and receive the necessary advice, guidance, and support needed. Your dentist can assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and mouth to detect any underlying problems that might not be visible to you. They may recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or getting more exercise in addition to advice on brushing and flossing techniques that could improve your overall dental hygiene. A regular visit to see your dentist will help keep your teeth healthy and make sure any issues are dealt with before they become a major concern.
Research Solutions for Common Denture Issues
Finding a solution to common denture issues can be complicated, as there are a range of potential causes. Generally, sore spots arise from an ill-fitting denture; this is caused by daily shrinkage of the tissue or bone in the mouth due to aging or changes in weight. Normally, if the dentures feel tight, they need a professional adjustment so that they can fit comfortably against the roof of your mouth. Loose fitting dentures are more likely to move around when speaking and eating; this can be solved by using adhesive products or even opting for permanent dentures with dental implants. Ultimately, finding the best solution depends on consulting a licensed dentist – they will be able to assess your condition and provide advice on how to resolve any discomfort.
Even though the transition associated with getting dentures for the first time can seem difficult at first, these tips will help make things easier. By expecting things to be different, practicing speech, starting out on soft foods, trying different adhesives, and exercising your cheek muscles, you’ll be smiling happily with your dentures in no time.
The Importance of Denture Hygiene
Finally, taking care of your dentures is an important part of getting used to life with dentures. Just like natural teeth and gums, dentures need to be cleaned after every meal and regularly through the day to prevent bacteria and plaque from accumulating. This will reduce risks associated with wearing ill-fitting dentures and the development of gum diseases. If left unchecked, bacterial growth can lead to bad breath, periodontal problems, mouth sores, and other infections.
Therefore it is highly recommended to clean your dentures with a brush at least twice each day; once in the morning and once at night before you go to bed, as well as after eating or drinking. You can also use specialty products such as special soaking solutions specifically designed for cleaning dentures to ensure optimal hygienic conditions. Doing so will not only improve comfort but also eliminate any odors that come from wearing them. Taking care of your dentures will result in a healthy smile for years to come.
In Conclusion
Overall, while learning how to properly care for, insert and remove dentures takes some practice, with the right knowledge and care they can help restore a person’s quality of life. With regular checkups and the right nutrition, people with dentures can gain confidence in speaking and eating without inhibition. Lastly, it’s important to remember that any time you experience issues or have questions about your dentures there are a number of solutions and online resources available so don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Your dentist is an excellent source for helpful advice so be sure to follow up with them for additional guidance if needed.
