If you're considering dentures, you may be wondering what you can expect while you get used to them. Our Vancouver dentists list some common obstacles and tips for adjusting to your new teeth.
What to Expect
If you're hoping to feel more confident in your grin while restoring your smile, dentures may help. They can also support facial muscles and structure and reduce bone loss.
While dentures can be a great long-term solution for some people who are missing teeth, adjusting to them can take some time and effort.
It usually takes people anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to fully adjust to wearing dentures.
Be patient with your mouth as it adjusts to these significant changes and you adjust to having dentures in place of your natural teeth. Understanding what to expect can help make the transition go more smoothly.
Common Complaints
Some patients notice these challenges during the early stages of wearing dentures:
- Gums may loosen or shrink
- Sore spots and bone chips may develop
- Smile seems unnatural
- Problems eating or speaking while wearing dentures
- Higher production of saliva
- Impact on chewing
Remember that these issues are a natural part of the dental process, and most will be temporary.
Tips for Adjusting to Dentures
You may notice your dentures feel somewhat awkward and unnatural in the first few days or weeks. During this period, some of your most significant challenges may be associated with changes in eating and speaking. Here are some tips that might help.
Eating
After getting new dentures, you'll need to eat soft or liquid foods for a while. You will have dietary restrictions for the first few days of your recovery. You should plan ahead of time and prepare foods that will be ready when you are hungry. Choose foods that don't require much chewing because they will help you avoid pain or discomfort.
You might also consider using a food processor, blender or juicer to eat some of your favourite foods during this time.
Use this list to give you some ideas during the first few days or weeks:
- Avocadoes
- Rice
- Smoothies
- Cooked or steamed vegetables that have softened
- Pasta
- Oatmeal
- Milkshakes or ice cream
- Soups
- Soft or melted cheeses
- Tofu
- Eggs
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Muffins
- Pancakes
Speaking
Similar to eating, you may find it awkward to speak for the first few weeks. That said, you can practice starting to regain confidence and comfort when you talk in public.
It might help to speak slower than usual, which can reduce clicking noises and assist with controlling movement that may occur if your dentures shift as you talk. You may find that applying denture adhesive helps to keep your dentures in place. Ask your Vancouver dentist if this solution is right for you.
It may be beneficial to read aloud to yourself while practicing, especially during the first few days when you may feel self-conscious speaking in front of others. This allows you to adapt and relearn to repeat difficult sounds without the distraction of an audience. The more opportunities you have to practice, the easier and more naturally you will speak, allowing you to quickly feel confident with your new dentures.