What to Expect for the First Few Weeks of Dentures
Like most new things in life, dentures take some getting used to. Whether you have full or partial dentures, they aren’t the same as natural teeth. But with some patience and perseverance for a month, you will adapt to the new normal and so will your mouth.
What to Expect with Dentures
Here are five things to be aware of how life will be a little different in the early weeks of having dentures.
#1 It’s Uncomfortable
For many people who get dentures, their gums are still recovering from extractions. The soft tissue is healing and the jawbone no longer has the job of supporting teeth. Even if you haven’t just had extractions, your gums need to get used to holding dentures in place. It’s normal for dentures to rub and irritate gums for a while until your gums get accustomed to their new role.
#2 Changed Diet
It’s not forever but for the first few weeks, it’s best to eat a denture friendly diet. Choosing soft foods that require little chewing will be easier to eat while you get used to eating with dentures. If your gums are feeling tender, eating a soft food diet will be more comfortable because it doesn’t place as much pressure on healing gums. When you’re ready to start chewing with your dentures, cut food up into small pieces. It will be easier to chew smaller pieces with new dentures and gradually increase the size of the pieces. Don’t introduce hard foods that require significant chewing until your gums have settled and eating is more comfortable.
#3 A New Way of Speaking
Not everyone realises but new dentures have an impact on your speech. Our teeth play a large part in forming sounds. Our tongue is used to speaking with your natural teeth and when you introduce dentures, you need to retrain your tongue on where it sits to speak without a lisp or slur. If you’re worried people won’t understand you as well, practice your speech at home and you’ll soon retrain your brain and tongue to speak as you did before dentures.
#4 Worrying About Dentures Being Displaced
It’s understandable that some patients worry that their dentures will come lose while they’re eating or speaking in the early weeks.
Even with denture paste to help hold the dentures in place, you may be worried that the dentures will come loose. Try practicing as much as you can at home before eating out in public so you aren’t as self conscious.
#5 Stay Positive
It’s understandable that some denture patients feel a little down in the early weeks of dentures. They’re mouth is a bit sore, they might be missing their usual foods or even the way they used to speak. Just remember, there is short term pain for long term gain. Once you’ve mastered the act of speaking and eating again, you’ll be ready to get out and show off your new smile. Stay positive and remind yourself that things will get better soon.
#6 See Your Prosthodontist
If something isn’t right with your dentures or they’re taking longer to get used to than you thought, call your prosthodontist. Mild discomfort is normal in the early weeks, but you shouldn’t be in pain. You may need a quick check-up to see if an adjustment is required.
For more information about full or partial dentures, call (08) 9321 1632 or contact us online.