5 Tips for Adjusting to Life With Dentures

While a dentist’s top priority is to protect the health of your teeth and gums, there may come a time when dentures are your most effective treatment option. Today’s dentures are designed to appear more natural than ever, allowing for a comfortable fit that can restore your smile, let you enjoy the foods you love, and significantly boost your confidence.

The team at First Impression Dental in Fresno, California, led by top-rated dental expert Dr. Brett Lent, offers the most effective solutions for your overall oral health, which may include full or partial dentures.

Well-known and much appreciated for his personal commitment to providing exceptional dental services in a family-friendly environment, Dr. Lent is happy to offer a few tips for adjusting to your new dentures.

1. Give it time

Many of our patients at First Impression Dental adjust to denture wear within a few days while others take a little longer to get comfortable with their new smile. It takes time for your tongue, gums, and facial muscles to get used to having a full set of teeth again. You may feel as if your mouth is too crowded at first, but this feeling shall pass. In most cases, we ask you to give yourself about 30 days to fully adjust to wearing dentures.

2. Wear your dentures every day

Dentures can feel unnatural in the beginning, and it may be tempting to remove your dentures frequently during the day. However, provided you aren’t experiencing significant pain or sore spots, wearing them consistently helps speed your progress. 

3. Practice makes perfect

Eating, smiling, speaking, etc. all feel a little different when you first start wearing dentures. However, like many things in life, these activities improve with practice.

Start with softer foods as you get used to the sensation of chewing with dentures. Take small bites and chew slowly as your mouth readjusts to life with a full set of teeth. Avoid sticky foods or crunching on ice, since this can crack both natural teeth and dentures.

Practice speaking by reading or singing aloud until you are comfortable with the way your dentures feel as you talk, smile, and laugh.

4. Follow the guidelines

Dr. Lent and your oral health care team provide detailed instructions about caring for your dentures. In general, however, we ask that you clean your dentures daily and soak them overnight as directed. Removing and cleaning your dentures nightly gives your gums and oral mucosa time to rest and helps keep your dentures in peak shape.

The use of adhesive can help keep your dentures in place, especially in the early days, but we rely more on a correct fit that keeps your dentures riding comfortably on your gums. If you’re using adhesive frequently, your dentures may need an adjustment.

5. Stay in touch

Dr. Lent provides detailed information about caring for your new dentures as well as what to expect during the adjustment phase. In general, soreness and increased saliva production during the early stages of wearing dentures are typical. 

Increasing, new, or persistent pain, however, may indicate that your dentures need adjusting. This is usually an easy, in-office fix, so don’t hesitate to call if you have unexpected problems.

For evaluation and further information regarding full or partial dentures, schedule a visit at First Impression Dental today. Call the office or request an appointment online.