Dentures – How to Get Used to Having Dentures in Your Mouth

Dentures are a popular way to replace missing teeth and provide you with the ability to eat, speak, and smile normally. Although there are other ways to replace missing teeth, such as bridges and implants, dentures are an affordable option that provides a good level of function and is easy to maintain.

Denture treatment is highly customizable and designed to meet your specific needs. A mold is made of your mouth to ensure that the dentures fit perfectly and feel comfortable in your mouth. Dentures can be constructed out of acrylic or a more durable material, like cobalt chromium. The materials used in your dentures will impact how the device feels, functions, and looks in your mouth.

Most people who have new dentures will experience a short adjustment period as their mouth gets used to having the Dentures in place. This may result in a feeling of having a “full mouth” or increased salivation while eating. However, these issues should disappear with time and as you become accustomed to the dentures.

Having dentures can significantly improve your quality of life by providing you with the ability to eat, speak, laugh, and smile without having to worry about your teeth. They also give you a more natural appearance by filling out your facial shape and helping to reduce sagging in the face.

When you get new dentures, it is important to practice chewing and speaking to get accustomed to the movement of your mouth as you are speaking or swallowing. You can do this by starting off with a mechanical soft diet of foods, such as applesauce, pudding, cooked cereal, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs, and gradually introducing more solid foods. During this time it is also a good idea to avoid chewy or sticky foods as these can be difficult to eat with dentures in place.

In addition to practicing speech, you should also be careful not to over-exert when talking or laughing as this can cause the dentures to become dislodged. If the dentures slip while you are speaking, it is a good idea to gently bite down and swallow to reposition the device. You should also be careful not to hold liquids in your mouth when speaking as this can irritate the gum tissue.

It is also important to have a good dental hygiene routine with your dentures as they will require more maintenance than your natural teeth. This includes daily cleaning to remove food particles and prevent stains. Additionally, it is a good idea to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and exams to make sure that the dentures are functioning properly. In addition to these dental tips, it is recommended to use a dental adhesive or denture paste for extra stability. This is especially beneficial for those who are public speakers or musicians, or anyone who has difficulty controlling their salivation. However, it is important to note that the type of dental adhesive you choose should be approved by your dentist.