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://russikoffdentistry.com or call Russikoff Family Dentistry at (818) 483-9078 for an appointment in our Northridge office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Adjusting to New Dentures in Northridge, CA.
When it comes to replacing a full dental arch with implant supported dentures, patients often have many questions about the process. This article answers some commonly asked questions about implant dentures.The structure of implant supported dentures is exactly as the name sounds; a full denture supported by dental implants. The implants are titanium posts placed…
Wondering if implant supported dentures will fit in with your lifestyle? When you find out that you need to get dentures so your mouth can function properly, you need to make a choice that works for you. There are a few different denture choices available, making it a good idea to understand more about each…
Are you looking into broken tooth restoration options? When someone breaks one of their teeth, treatment depends on the severity of the break. General dentists recommend early treatment for the highest chance of a successful restoration.Teeth can break for several reasons, and understanding the cause can help dictate the restoration. For example, individuals that play…
Dental cleaning is a huge part of routine check-ups. The procedure involves using a scaler to scrape off tartar and plaque deposits from teeth surfaces. Plaque is the sticky film that builds up on teeth, and it hardens into tartar when left on teeth surfaces for a few days. Both make you more vulnerable to…
Are you looking into broken tooth restoration options? When someone breaks one of their teeth, treatment depends on the severity of the break. General dentists recommend early treatment for the highest chance of a successful restoration.Teeth can break for several reasons, and understanding the cause can help dictate the restoration. For example, individuals that play…
Dental cleaning is a huge part of routine check-ups. The procedure involves using a scaler to scrape off tartar and plaque deposits from teeth surfaces. Plaque is the sticky film that builds up on teeth, and it hardens into tartar when left on teeth surfaces for a few days. Both make you more vulnerable to…