Getting new dentures can be a significant life change, offering the promise of improved eating, speaking, and appearance. While the prospect of a restored smile can be exciting, apprehension about adapting to these removable replacements for missing teeth is natural. Understanding what to expect during this transition can help make the adjustment period smoother and more manageable. Patience and a proactive approach to care are important as you integrate your new dentures into daily life.
The Initial Adjustment Period
The initial period with new dentures often involves a range of sensory experiences as your mouth adapts. Many people describe a feeling of fullness or bulkiness in the mouth, which is a normal response to the new appliance. You may also notice an increase in saliva production, as your body perceives the dentures as a foreign object and tries to lubricate them. This heightened salivation is typically temporary and subsides as your mouth adjusts to the dentures.
Sore spots or areas of irritation can develop on the gums as they adjust to the pressure points of the new dentures. These areas often require minor adjustments by your dentist to ensure a comfortable fit. The initial adjustment phase can vary, typically lasting from a few days to several weeks. Gently massaging your gums can help alleviate some discomfort, but persistent sore spots should always be addressed by your dentist.
Eating and Speaking with New Dentures
Adapting to eating with new dentures requires a gradual approach to ensure comfort and stability. Begin by consuming soft foods, such as mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs, for the first few days to allow your gums to heal and adjust. As you progress, cut food into small, manageable pieces to reduce pressure on your gums and make chewing easier. Chewing slowly and utilizing both sides of your mouth evenly helps to distribute pressure and prevent the dentures from dislodging.
Gradually introduce firmer foods into your diet as your comfort level increases. Initially, it is advisable to avoid sticky foods, such as caramel, or very hard foods like nuts, as these can easily dislodge your dentures or cause discomfort. Drinking water during meals can also help prevent food from sticking to your dentures and aid in chewing.
Speaking with new dentures may initially present challenges, as your tongue and lips need to learn new positions to form sounds. You might experience a temporary lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words, particularly those containing “s” or “f” sounds. Practicing reading aloud can help your mouth muscles adapt to the new contours of your dentures and improve articulation. Regularly repeating challenging words and speaking slowly can also help gain confidence and clarity in your speech. If your dentures click while speaking, try speaking a bit slower to allow your mouth to adjust.
Daily Care and Maintenance
Proper daily care is important for maintaining the cleanliness, longevity, and hygiene of your dentures and oral health. You should brush your dentures at least once daily using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste is typically too abrasive and can scratch the denture surface, creating areas where bacteria can accumulate. After each meal, rinse your dentures thoroughly under running water to remove food particles.
Many types of dentures require soaking overnight in water or a specialized denture-cleaning solution to keep them moist and help them retain their shape. This soaking also helps remove plaque and stains. When handling your dentures, particularly during cleaning, do so over a basin of water or a folded towel to prevent breakage if they are accidentally dropped. Even without natural teeth, it is important to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth daily with a soft toothbrush or gauze to remove bacteria and stimulate circulation.
Long-Term Management and When to See Your Dentist
Regular dental check-ups remain important even after you have received new dentures. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor the health of your oral tissues, such as your gums and palate, and to check for any changes or lesions. The dentist also assesses the fit and condition of your dentures to ensure continued comfort and function.
Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone can change, which may cause your dentures to become loose. When this occurs, a procedure called relining may be necessary, where material is added to the inner surface of the denture to improve its fit against your gums. Dentures typically need to be relined or replaced every five to ten years to maintain proper fit and support oral health.
Certain signs indicate that a visit to your dentist is needed. These include persistent pain or discomfort that does not resolve, significant looseness of the dentures, or clicking sounds during speech or eating. Difficulty eating that does not improve with practice, or any visible oral lesions or sores, also require prompt professional attention. If your dentures appear worn, damaged, or develop a foul odor or stubborn stains that cleaning does not remove, consult your dentist.