Replacing missing or badly decayed teeth with dentures can restore the appearance and function of your smile, but wearing dentures for the first time can take some getting used to.
Whether you're having full or partial dentures, it normally takes a few weeks to adjust to how your new teeth feel in your mouth, especially when eating and speaking.
Following your dentist's guidance will help to smooth the transition so you can feel comfortable with your new smile sooner.
Soreness
It's normal to feel minor discomfort after dentures are fitted, as your mouth and jaw need time to adjust. This normally subsides in the first couple of weeks. Your dentist may suggest taking out your dentures for a short time every few hours in the early days.
If your dentures are very painful, or soreness lasts longer than a few weeks, make an appointment with your dentist, as you may need an adjustment. The recovery period may be longer if you had any teeth extracted before your dentures were fitted, as your mouth will still be healing.
Eating with dentures
Eating can be the biggest adjustment for new denture wearers, and it's advisable to take it slow. Eating soft foods (such as mashed potatoes and vegetables, soups, pasta and noodles) will be gentler on your gums in the first week or so, making sure you're still getting a balanced diet.
You can try eating hard foods again from the second to fourth week, depending on how you feel. You may find that you need to chew for longer, but this should soon become natural. Denture wearers should always avoid sticky and chewy foods such as lollies and chewing gum.
Speaking with dentures
You may also find that dentures affect your speech in the first few days, as your tongue needs to adjust to your new teeth. This takes practice – whether that means talking to yourself or other people, reading aloud or singing along to music so you can get used to forming different sounds again.
If you find talking difficult, try taking a bite of something or swallowing first so your dentures will be in the correct position and focus on relaxing the muscles in your face.
Do I need denture adhesive?
Adhesive is not usually necessary when your dentures are custom made by an experienced prosthetist, but it may be recommended if you feel that your dentures need extra support.
If your dentures start to feel loose or uncomfortable, see your dentist before relying on adhesives, as you may need an adjustment or reline.
What are the alternatives to dentures?
If you're not sure whether dentures are right for you, your dentist will also make sure you know your other options.
- Dental implants are a permanent replacement for individual or multiple teeth that also support the jaw to prevent bone loss. Implants can also support partial or full dentures to improve their stability and make eating and speaking feel more natural.
- Dental bridges are a fixed alternative to partial dentures for filling gaps between healthy teeth.
Find out more about dentures in Bracken Ridge
If you want to know more about dentures or other options for replacing missing teeth, make an appointment with our dentists at Bracken Ridge Dental. Call us today on (07) 3261 2405 or book online.
By: Bracken Ridge Dental