Getting your first set of dentures should be a huge change since it makes a difference in how you eat, talk, and even perceive yourself around others. However, all of the benefits of new dentures do not come right away. Since the denture wearing experience is brand new to you, it is common to have some questions about using them, how you should care for them, and when to see a dentist when something is wrong.
The great thing about dentures is that they do not require a special diet or a list of foods to avoid. However, you may want to stay away from certain foods during those first few weeks when you are adjusting to the new dentures. Believe it or not, but you'll need to change the way that you chew your food, which will switch things up from a chomping motion to more of a grinding motion.
In the beginning, stick to softer foods that you do not need to chew that much, such as seafood, eggs, and cooked vegetables. Once you have adjusted to what it is like to chew with dentures, you can easily switch to eating tougher meat and vegetables. It is a learning experience, so try not to get frustrated if eating is tough at first.
Another aspect that you need to learn is how you need to move your tongue when talking. You'll find that the upper plate of the dentures is going to be further down than the roof of your mouth, which changes your tongue placement enough to throw you off at first. You'll find that you're having some troubles speaking with the dentures because they slip a little bit without the support of your tongue.
While a denture adhesive can help your dentures stay in place, it will also take practice to learn how to position your tongue when speaking. Try looking at a mirror or reading out loud in private to learn how to hold the dentures in place when speaking.
There will be some soreness during the initial adjustment period of wearing dentures. Over time, the dentures and your gums adjust to form a better fit with each other. You should be concerned if the dentures are still causing sore gums after a few weeks since it will require a trip to your dentist to make some adjustments. Some tinkering with the dentures by your dentist may be all it takes for them to feel comfortable.
Once you have adjusted to wearing dentures, it will be common to remove them at night and place them in a denture cleaning solution that removes bacteria and keeps them moist. However, your dentist might recommend that you leave the dentures in 24/7 at first. It can help you adjust to the dentures much faster than if you remove them overnight.
You still need to go back to the dentist for inspections with a set of fake teeth. Inspecting the dentures is very important since they can become damaged from regular use. For example, your dentist could reline the dentures with a new material that will rest against the gums.
Your dentist can also make small adjustments to the dentures over the years to improve their comfort. Comfortable dentures will also promote healthy gums that are not irritated.
