Will you soon get your first pair of dentures? No doubt, you are looking forward to receiving your brand-new prosthetic. It can enable you to smile with confidence, speak clearly, and eat a variety of foods. However, you will not get to enjoy the full extent of its benefits right away. First, you will have to go through an adjustment period. What should you expect during your first month with dentures? Read this guide to find out.
It Takes Time to Adjust
It is normal for new dentures to feel strange and even a little uncomfortable. You might produce extra saliva, and your gums may be sore for a time. Do not expect to be able to eat all of your favorite foods right away.
It is important to exercise patience. Most people adapt to their dentures within a few weeks to a month or so. If it seems to be taking you a bit longer, do not worry. Every case is different. Of course, if you continue to have significant struggles with your dentures after the first month, you should reach out to your dentist for assistance.
Start with Soft Foods, and Eat Carefully
After some time, eating with dentures should feel easy and natural. Before that happens, though, it would be wise to adjust your diet. Try to stick to soft foods. Take small bites, and make sure the food is evenly distributed across both sides of your mouth. Do not bite down on any hard foods with your front teeth because you might accidentally destabilize your denture.
As you get used to your denture, you can gradually start consuming tougher foods. However, you should continue to eat with caution so you do not damage your prosthetic teeth or harm your oral tissues.
Speaking with Dentures
In the long run, dentures should make your speech clearer. When you first get them, though, it might be challenging to enunciate certain sounds. Usually, this issue goes away with practice. Read out loud or chat with family and friends so you can adapt to how your speech muscles interact with your new teeth.
How to Manage Discomfort
During your adjustment period, you might experience some swelling and soreness in your gums. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. It is also recommended that you rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
Additionally, keep in mind that you should not wear your denture at night. Removing it allows your gums a chance to rest while you are sleeping.
Your dentures might seem awkward and uncomfortable when you first get them. Before long, however, you should be confidently enjoying all the many benefits they have to offer.
Meet the Practice
The highly skilled experts at Willow Run Dental Association proudly provide multiple forms of tooth replacement, including conventional dentures. If you have questions about what to expect while you are rebuilding your lost dentition, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our team at 207-352-2825.