Dentures offer patients who need several or all of their teeth replaced the opportunity to look like they have a full set of teeth – and to use these dentures to perform all of the tasks of a regular set of teeth. Below, we cover 5 tips for adjusting to life with dentures.
5 Tips for Adjusting to Life with Dentures
However, wearing and using dentures takes a bit of getting used to, as they may not feel entirely natural when they’re first installed. That being said, there are ways for patients to adjust to the experience of these dental fixtures. If you’re looking into getting dentures in La Mesa, or just anticipate that you’ll need some soon, take a look at this guide for getting used to them. It might just save you some worry down the line.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a set of false teeth that look and feel like real teeth. Dentures are typically used to replace a full set of teeth. There are many reasons that one might seek to replace all of their teeth, ranging from disease to tooth decay to complications from pregnancy. There are different types of dentures that fit the needs of different patients and their oral health.
Dentures are sturdy and, with proper care, can last for quite some time. Nowadays, the appearance of dentures is sophisticated enough that many find them indistinguishable from natural teeth. There are certain procedures one can take to get used to the experience of wearing dentures, some of which are outlined below.
1. Gradually Add Foods
One way to get used to wearing dentures is to gradually, rather than suddenly, add foods to one’s diet. This helps with the sometimes-awkward experience of getting used to chewing with your new dentures. Some examples include eating soft foods like steamed vegetables, oatmeal, or fish. This will be an easier experience on your teeth than starting out of the gate with things like steak or hard candy.
2. Be Careful with Chewing
The way that you chew can help you ease into the experience of your new dentures. Cheating food on both sides of your mouth is recommended, which can help prevent your dentures from becoming unstable. Dentists advise avoiding tearing at food with your front teeth, which can prompt your dentures to move around. You might also want to consider cutting your food into smaller pieces in order to make it easier to chew.
3. Practice Talking
One strange fact about dentures is that they can make speaking somewhat difficult or awkward after they are first installed. However, this issue should dissipate with time and practice. One thing to try out would be talking to yourself in the mirror or while you’re driving to get used to the experience, and it becomes more natural.
4. Use Salt Rinses
Salt rinses can help ease the soreness that you might experience right when you first have your dentures installed. This makes them an easy way to help you get used to your new dentures and dull, painful sensations that might accompany the initial installation period.
5. Eat Soft Foods
Soft foods are best when it comes to easing into your denture experience. This is primarily because your gums are liable to be sore for some time after you receive your new dentures. Eating a soft diet should mitigate some of this discomfort. Some beneficial foods include things like soft cereals, yogurt, applesauce, and the like.
After Your Installation
Dentures are supposed to feel slightly strange after they are initially installed. There shouldn’t be any strong amount of pain, but a “funny” kind of feeling that can make them feel slightly unnatural.
These feelings should hypothetically fade with time. The adjustment period also can depend on the type of dentures that you receive. Traditional dentures have a tendency to grab onto your gums more easily, while implant-supported dentures take easier to settle, but feel more natural.
You can also use a denture adhesive to prevent your dentures from moving around too much in your mouth. These substances can prevent excessive movement but also break from the mouth easily so that patients are able to remove their dentures and clean them in the evening.
The Denture Center of La Mesa
Smiles of La Mesa can help you receive a high-quality denture installation while helping you adjust to some of the needs of this new element of your life. If you would like to talk to one of our dentists to discuss some of the specifics surrounding dentures, contact our dentist today in order to set up an appointment.
