If you have experienced significant tooth loss in the past, dentures are a great, tried and tested way to restore the appearance and function of your smile. However, if you haven’t worn dentures before, they can take some time to get used to. It can take several weeks before they begin to feel like part of your mouth. Continue reading to learn some tips to make the process go smoothly after you get your new prosthesis.
Speaking with Dentures
It can be difficult and frustrating when you first try to talk while wearing your dentures. Since your mouth and tongue aren’t used to the prosthetic yet, it can be easy to mess up words, making it more difficult to speak clearly. Fortunately, your mouth will adjust relatively quickly. A great way to speed up this process is to read aloud to yourself. This will give you the opportunity to practice a wide range of vocabulary and unique sounds. Then you will be talking just like you used to if not better!
Chewing with Dentures
Learning how to eat when you are wearing dentures can take some time. Your new dentures will reestablish your facial dimensions and prop your jaw into the correct position. These both make chewing easier. As you adjust to your dentures, it is best to cut your food up into smaller bites. Choose soft foods that are easy to chew. Chew on both the right and left sides of your mouth simultaneously and avoid biting down on pieces of food using your front teeth. As you grow more comfortable with your dentures, you can start incorporating tougher foods.
Handling Soreness
After you first get your dentures, it is common to experience some soreness. This is because the dentures put pressure on new regions of your gums. This should subside after a few days. If discomfort doesn’t lessen, give your dentist a call to let them know what’s going on. They can give you further advice from there.
Denture Wear Time
Everyone’s case is a little bit different, but it is usually recommended that new denture wearers wear their dentures at all times for the first 24-48 hours after getting them. They should only be removed from cleaning. After this, the dentures should be removed at night when you sleep. This allows for increased circulation to the gum tissue, giving them a break.
Dentures take some time to adjust to, but don’t get discouraged. With a little bit of time and practice, you will be showing your complete smile with price.
About the Practice
At Bell Dental, Dr. Kenneth Bell, Dr. Steven Kaebnick, and Dr. Lindsey Webber work together to treat patients in the Louisville area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dentures or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (502) 749-2355.