What to Expect from New Dentures
Dentures are essentially portable replacements for missing teeth. Dentures can be placed in an out of your mouth and generally are not worn while you sleep. Although they are made to look like your natural teeth, dentures will never feel quite like your former teeth and it may take some time to adjust to them.
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Wearing Your New Dentures
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Your dentist may recommend that you wear your dentures around the clock for the first few days in order to get used to how they feel in your mouth. Once you have adjusted you may be advised to take out your dentures before going to sleep. The American Dental Association says it is generally not a good idea for gum tissues to be continuously covered by denture wear.
Adjusting to Dentures
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It may take a few weeks before your new dentures no longer feel foreign and awkward in your mouth. They may seem too loose fitting at first while your cheek and tongue muscles become accustomed to keeping them in place.
Although you will probably notice little change in your overall appearance, dentures can improve the look of your smile and help fill out your face and profile.
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Soreness
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The ADA says it's quite common for your mouth and gums to become irritated or sore as they get used to accommodating your new dentures.
These problems are usually temporary. Your dentist may make minor adjustments to your dentures if they are consistently a source of tenderness.
Eating & Dentures
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It may be challenging and uncomfortable when you first attempt to eat with your new dentures. The ADA suggests cutting soft foods into small pieces in the beginning. Be sure to chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth simultaneously to keep your dentures from tipping. It's also important to make sure food is not too hard or too hot. It won't be long before you are able to eat a regular diet.
Talking and Your New Teeth
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While your new dentures shouldn't cause any significant speech problems, you may find it will take some practice to pronounce certain words.
It's possible that your dentures will slip from time to time when you laugh, cough or smile. The problem can be easily corrected by repositioning the dentures by lightly biting down and swallowing.
Denture Adhesive
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Denture adhesive can help keep even well-fitting denture stay put. However the ADA says adhesives are not the answer when dentures become old and no longer fit correctly. If your dentures start to feel loose or are causing continuous discomfort, see your dentist.
The Caring and Cleaning of Dentures
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Be sure to use extreme care when you handle your dentures. They can break if they're dropped only a few inches. When you are not wearing your dentures, store them safely away from children and pets.
Dentures must be brushed daily just like your natural teeth. It's most effective to use a brush made specifically for dentures, but a soft bristled toothbrush can also be used.
Always keep your dentures in a denture cleanser or in water (not hot) when they are not in your mouth. Dentures can lose their shape if they dry out.
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