Dentures are one of the most common options chosen to replace missing teeth. Also known as replacement teeth, they’re an oral appliance specially designed for the mouth. Unfortunately, dentures sometimes don’t fit as well as you wish — they often feel uncomfortable and awkward at first. It may take several weeks to get used to them. That’s why, at Gateway Dentistry Group, we strive to help our patients keep their natural teeth for as long as possible.
If you already have dentures, you may be going through the process of adjusting to a variety of new oral obstacles. In this post, we’ll discuss some tips on how you can adapt to a life with dentures.
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Have Realistic Expectations
Even though many modern dentures provide a natural-looking smile, adjusting to life with them can be quite difficult. They may feel like a foreign object in your mouth for some time, and you may struggle to get used to them in many different ways:
- Your facial muscles will have to adapt to new sensations.
- Your mouth will produce more saliva, causing the dentures to slip a bit.
- You’ll need to learn to chew with dentures.
- You may find it difficult to speak.
- You may have some minor soreness after getting new dentures.
- They may change your ability to taste certain foods.
All this is enough for many patients to experience a little shock or discomfort as they get used to life with dentures. However, most people adjust quite well after a few weeks. Have patience with yourself during this process.
Eating With New Dentures
Lost teeth should not mean lost health. Although processed foods may be easier to eat, especially as you adjust to your new dentures, do not forego nutritious food. Start slowly. You may need to begin with soft foods and smaller portions as your dentures settle in to make it easier to bite down. Harder items, like apples or red meat, may take time to work up to as you feel more comfortable with solid foods.
Exercise Your Jaw and Cheeks
You may find yourself using muscles in your jaw and cheeks you never used previously. As with any body part, it will likely take time to build these muscles in the first few weeks. By working out your jaw and cheek muscles, you can eventually gain more control eating your meals, making it much easier.
Continued cheek or jaw pain can be a sign of ill-fitting dentures, so schedule an appointment with your dentist if you experience ongoing discomfort.
Continue With Your Regular Dental Checkups
Even though they’re replacement teeth, you won’t want to miss any of your dental visits after you’re fitted with dentures. For a few months, these checkups will be spaced closer together to ensure that the appliance fits correctly and that you’re adjusting well. However, even after this adjustment period is complete, regular visits to the dentist will remain an essential aspect of your overall oral hygiene, to check for any tissue abnomalies.
At Gateway Dentistry Group, we’re proud to serve patients with all or some of their natural teeth as well as those with dental appliances, like dentures. If you continue to experience trouble with your dentures, you’ll be happy to know that we also offer an alternative treatment for tooth loss — dental implants. To find out more or to schedule an appointment with one of the dentists in Grande Prairie, fill out our online contact form or call us today at 1-780-539-3555.
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