If you're considering dentures, you may be wondering what you can expect while you get used to them. Our Burnaby 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
In the first few days or weeks, your dentures may feel awkward and odd. Some of your most important issues during this time may be associated with changes in eating and speaking. Here are some pointers that might be useful.
Eating
You'll need to eat soft or liquid foods for a spell after obtaining new dentures. You will have dietary restrictions for the first few days of your recovery. Plan ahead of time and prepare foods that will be ready when you need them. Foods that do not need much chewing will help you prevent pain or discomfort.
You might also use a food processor, blender, or juicer to prepare some of your favourite foods during this period.
Use this list to get you started in 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 speaking awkward for the first few weeks. Having said that, you can begin to restore confidence and comfort when speaking in public.
It may help to speak slower than usual to prevent clicking noises and to help manage movement that may occur if your dentures slip while you talk. Applying denture adhesive may help you keep your dentures in place. Consult your Burnaby dentist to see if this remedy is appropriate for you.
It may be helpful to read aloud to yourself while practising, especially in the first few days when you may be shy about speaking in front of people. This helps you to adjust and remember complex sounds without the distraction of an audience. The more practice opportunities you have, the easier and more naturally you will talk, letting you feel secure with your new dentures rapidly.