Your First Month with Dentures – What to Expect

If you have experienced significant tooth loss in the past, dentures are a great way to restore the appearance and function of your smile. However, if you’ve never worn dentures before, they can take some time to get used to. It can take multiple weeks before they start to feel like a part of your mouth. Continue reading to learn some tips to make the process go smoothly after you get your new prosthesis.

Speaking with Dentures

It can be difficult and frustrating when you first try to talk while wearing your dentures. Since your mouth and tongue are not yet used to your prosthetic being there, it is easy to mess up words, making it more challenging to speak clearly. The good news is that your mouth will adjust relatively quickly. A great way to speed this process up further is to read aloud. This will give you the opportunity to practice a wide range of vocabulary and unique sounds. Then, you will be talking just like you used to – if not better!

Chewing with Dentures

Learning how to eat while wearing dentures can take some time. Your new dentures will reestablish your facial dimensions and prop your jaw into the correct position. These both make chewing easier. As you are adjusting to your dentures, it’s best to cut your food up into smaller bites. Choose soft foods that are easy to chew. Chew on both the right and left sides of your mouth simultaneously and avoid biting down on pieces of food using your front teeth. As you grow more comfortable with your dentures, you can start incorporating tougher foods.

Dealing with Soreness

After first getting your dentures, it’s common to experience some soreness. This is because the dentures put pressure on new regions of your gums. This should subside after a few days. If discomfort doesn’t lessen, give your dentist a call to let them know what’s going on. They can give you further advice from there.

Denture Wear Time

Everyone’s case is a little bit different, but it is usually recommended that new denture wearers wear their dentures at all times for the first 24-48 hours after getting them. They should only be removed for cleaning. After this, the dentures should be removed at night when you sleep. This allows for increased circulation to the gum tissue, giving them a break.

Dentures take some time to get used to, so don’t be discouraged! With a little bit of time and practice, you will be showing off your complete smile with pride!

About the Author

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. To this day, he continues to attend many courses on esthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, endodontics, occlusion (bite alignment), neuromuscular dentistry, and prosthodontics. He also has a certification in dental lasers through the World Clinical Laser Institute. To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment at his office in Homer Glen, visit his website or call (708) 854-5912.