If you’ve recently had dentures fitted, you may be experiencing a mixture of emotions. At first, you’re relieved because you finally have a full set of teeth again. However, apprehension follows. You wonder about how to navigate daily life with your new dental appliance. The truth is that dentures, while life-changing, can also take some getting used to. The good news is that with a little patience and practice, you’ll soon be adjusting to life with dentures and enjoying all of its benefits.
In this article, we’re going to help you get used to your new dentures by sharing some great tips to follow and keep in mind:
1. Give Yourself Time to Adjust
The first thing to remember when getting used to dentures is that it will take time. Your mouth and facial muscles need to become accustomed to the new appliance, and this won’t happen overnight. It’s normal to experience some discomfort and difficulty speaking or eating for the first few weeks. As such, be patient with yourself and know that these issues will improve over time as your mouth adapts to the dentures.
2. Practice Speaking
One of the biggest challenges for new denture wearers is speaking clearly. The dentures may feel bulky in your mouth, and certain words or sounds may be more difficult to pronounce. To help overcome this, practice speaking out loud, enunciating each word clearly. Read aloud from a book or newspaper, or try repeating tongue twisters to work on specific sounds. In fact, you can also try singing. Either way, the more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with speaking while wearing your dentures.
3. Start with Soft Foods
Eating with dentures can take some getting used to, especially when it comes to biting and chewing. So, start by eating soft foods that are easy to chew, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs. As you become more comfortable with your dentures, gradually introduce harder foods back into your diet. Additionally, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth to help stabilize your dentures.
4. Maintain Proper Denture Care
Taking care of your dentures is essential to ensure they remain comfortable and functional. For that reason, spend time cleaning your dentures daily using a soft denture brush and a denture cleaner, not toothpaste, which can be too abrasive. Be sure to rinse your dentures thoroughly after cleaning, and soak them overnight in a denture solution to help maintain their shape. Regular dental check-ups are also important to ensure your dentures continue to fit well and to address any issues that may arise.
5. Use Denture Adhesive
While not everyone needs denture adhesive, it can be helpful for those who are experiencing difficulties with their dentures during the adjustment period. A good denture adhesive can help to stabilize your dentures, making it easier to eat and speak with confidence. So, experiment with different types of adhesive to find the one that works best for you and your specific needs.
Conclusion
Adjusting to life with dentures can be challenging, but with time, patience, and practice, you’ll soon become comfortable with your new dental appliance. By following these tips, you can ease the adjustment process and enjoy all the benefits that dentures have to offer. Remember to be patient with yourself and know that it’s normal to experience some difficulties during this time. With determination and the right support, you’ll be confidently navigating life with dentures in no time.
Maintaining good dental health is crucial, and ensuring the safety of our patients is our main concern. Our clinic, Family Dental of Westborough, is available for dental treatments, cleanings, and regular check-ups. If you are looking for hybrid dentures, book an appointment with us today!