3 Tips for Adjusting to New Dentures

Dentures Garden Grove, CA

If you are the proud owner of new dentures, you may wonder what the adjustment period will be like. Although dentures replace missing teeth and give you an improved smile, they do take a little while to get used to. For many people, it can take up to a month to feel comfortable wearing them and feeling confident out in public. The key is to set realistic expectations and be patient during the adjustment phase.

Tips for adjusting

It is normal to have some gum irritation as you get used to wearing your new dentures. When your dentures are first placed, the dentist will make any adjustments that will assist in the right fit. However, as the dentures adjust to your mouth, you may need to go back in for additional adjustments if you continue to have mouth sores.

1. Experiment with adhesives

One of the common issues new wearers have with dentures is that they have difficulty staying in place. Using adhesives is one way to adjust and prevent major slippage. Adhesives come in gels and strips, and there are various ones available. Your dentist may be able to give you a recommendation, or you may want to be prepared to try a few different ones before you find the right adhesive for your needs.

The need for adhesives probably will not last forever. As the muscles in your mouth and cheeks get used to the dentures, you will more than likely discover that you can use less or none at all, and your dentures will still stay in place.

2. Learn to eat with them

Eating is another issue at the beginning. For the first few days or so, stick to soft foods. Examples include smoothies, mashed potatoes, jello, pudding, oatmeal, pureed fruits, eggs, and soup. As you get more used to eating with your dentures, you can begin to add in more solid foods such as rice, cooked veggies, pasta, and fish.

It helps to cut up food into small pieces and chew evenly on both sides. Even when you are ready to eat normally, there are some foods to avoid, as they can damage the dentures. Stay away from sticky, hard, and chewy foods.

3. Practice speaking

When you wear dentures, you will probably discover that it is more difficult to pronounce certain sounds than others. During the adjustment time, practice speaking out loud at home and in front of a mirror. Some people also find that singing smooth phrases at a slower pace helps with speech training. If your dentures seem to slip as you begin to speak, it may help to bite down and swallow before speaking, as this returns the dentures to their proper position.

FAQs 

In addition to adjusting to new dentures, there are several other things to consider. This miniature FAQ section may help you to make better decisions about your denture process.

What can I eat the day I get new dentures?

Because your gums will still be very sensitive as you get used to your new dentures, you will need to eat only soft foods on the first day that you wear them. Typically, items such as ice cream, pudding, and mashed potatoes are preferable. 

Can I take out my dentures for a while if they hurt?

While you can take out your dentures whenever you choose (and are encouraged to do so at night), it is important to keep in mind that the longer and more often you wear them, the easier it will be for your body to adjust to them.

How long will it be before I can resume eating and normal activity?

Most people return to their regular food items and activity levels by the end of a 30-day period. After a month, you should be able to eat all of your favorite foods again and participate in all of your favorite activities.

Do dentures last forever?

Unfortunately, dentures do not last forever. Depending on the level of use, you will need to have your dentures replaced every 5-10 years. The better you take care of them, the longer they will last.

Conclusion

Eventually, you will appreciate your dentures for their ability to help you speak and eat normally. However, there is an adjustment period in which you and your gums need to get used to them. Following these tips should make the process easier.

Request an appointment here: https://www.allstardental.net or call Allstar Dental at (714) 462-4437 for an appointment in our Garden Grove office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dentures in Garden Grove, CA.

Related Posts

The Benefits Of Consulting A Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help you achieve your dream smile. Getting dental treatments can improve the appearance of your teeth. It may also enhance your dental function and health. Learning more about it can help you prepare for your procedure. Here are the benefits that you can get when you consult a cosmetic dentist.Talking to…

Why You Should Seek Treatment From A Cosmetic Dentist

Regular visits to the dentist are a must when it comes to maintaining good oral health. But, if you are looking for dental treatment to enhance your smile's appearance, a cosmetic dentist may be the way to go. A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who specializes in improving the aesthetics of teeth and gums.…

3 Popular Treatments From A Cosmetic Dentist

Your cosmetic dentist can deliver the latest treatments that can improve your smile and oral hygiene. This dental care provider can also make you look and feel better. Understanding the cosmetic dentistry treatments can help you decide what you need. Here are three popular treatments that you can get from a cosmetic dentist.Minor cracks or…

General Dentistry: Give Your Dental Health A Boost By Visiting A Dentist

You might think that if you are diligent about brushing and flossing at home, you can visit a dentist's office less often. However, general dentistry professionals agree that regularly visiting a dentist is important for your dental and overall health, even with good oral hygiene. In addition, there are numerous reasons it is a good…