How to Break in New Dentures
New dentures, be they partial or full, can take a while to get used to for those wearing them for the first time. New denture wearers may find that they feel awkward or cumbersome the first few weeks of wear. Some of the more common problems facing those who get false teeth are keeping them in place, learning how to eat and enunciating words properly.
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Instructions
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New Dentures Help
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Wear new dentures according to your dentist's instructions, urges the American Dental Association. You may be instructed to keep them in most of the time the first few days you have them, including when you sleep. After you get used to the dentures, they can be removed from your mouth at night to give your gums a rest.
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Take your time learning how to eat. This will take practice, the ADA notes. Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces, chewing with both sides of the mouth. Gradually add in other textures, cutting tougher food types (such as steak) into small pieces. Continue chewing on both sides of the mouth. Be care when it comes to hard foods, those with bones or shells or extremely hot foods and beverages, warns the ADA.
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Practice speaking. Certain words may give you more trouble than others, notes the ADA. The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine suggests slowly reading aloud when you're by yourself. Repeat the words that you have difficulty pronouncing. With time and practice, speech should return to normal.
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Learn how to reposition your dentures. The ADA notes that new dentures may slip when you cough, smile or laugh. Gently bite down and swallow to get dentures back in place.
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Always follow your dentist's instructions, urges that Columbia University College of Dental Health. Many problems new denture wearers face, such as gum irritation and fungal infections in the mouth, are avoidable. Make sure your diet is healthy and clean your dentures daily, as well as the inside of your mouth. Contact your dentist if dentures are painful or don't fit properly and schedule check-ups every six months, even if you don't notice any problems.
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Tips & Warnings
New dentures need to be kept moist whenever they're out of your mouth. For proper cleaning and storage techniques, see the Resources link of this article.
Over time, the structure of your mouth will change; you may find that your mandible (lower jaw) becomes smaller and that your new dentures no longer fit properly. Dentures may need to be relined by your dentist--never try to do this yourself.
