Getting new dentures is a significant step towards restoring your smile. While they can improve the quality of your life, the adjustment to dentures is a bit overwhelming as the mouth adapts to the new fit and feel.
From learning to speak clearly again to enjoying your favourite meals, adapting to dentures requires a few changes. Understanding the process can help make the transition manageable. If you’re looking for new denture care tips or seeking to improve your experience, this article can help you.
In this blog, we’ll share information to answer common questions about dentures. We will discuss practical tips to help you feel more comfortable and confident with your new dentures.
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Summary of the Content:
- Receiving your new dentures involves an adjustment period where discomfort and a sense of unfamiliarity are expected.
- The fitting process includes consultations, impression-taking, adjustments, and follow-ups to achieve comfort and a good fit.
- New denture users often face challenges such as trouble with speaking and eating. Using adhesives and practicing talking at home can help manage these issues.
- Experiencing soreness after getting new dentures is quite normal and can last a few days to several weeks. For some people, it may take about a month to adjust to the dental prosthetics.
- Removing your dentures at night, gradually wearing them, and taking pain medication when necessary can help alleviate discomfort.
- Eating with new dentures can feel unnatural for the first time. But starting with soft foods, cutting food into bite sizes, and chewing evenly can help manage the discomfort. It’s also important to avoid harder foods like steak to reduce chewing forces.
Understanding the process of fitting new dentures can help alleviate any concerns you may have. Each stage plays a vital role in achieving a comfortable fit and a smooth adjustment to dentures, laying the groundwork for a successful transition to dentures. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
- Initial consultation:
The first step is a consultation with your dentist. During the appointment, they will conduct a comprehensive dental examination wherein your dentist will assess your oral health, including the condition of your gums and remaining natural teeth. This step helps determine the type of dentures suited for your needs. - Impressions and measurements:
After the consultation, digital scans are used to take impressions of your gums and remaining teeth. These measurements are crucial in creating dentures that fit comfortably and securely. - Jaw relation records:
After obtaining the precise impressions of your mouth, the dentist will record how your upper and lower jaws relate to each other. This step is crucial for making dentures fit and function properly. - Fitting and adjustments of the dentures:
Once your dentures are created, you’ll have a fitting appointment. During this visit, your dentist will check whether they fit well and also assess the shape and colour of the false teeth before finalising the design. - Final fitting:
Once the adjustments are complete and you are satisfied with the wax try-in, your final dentures will be processed and fitted. The dentist will check if you’re comfortable wearing your new artificial teeth. An adjustment period is expected as your mouth gets used to the new dentures. Your dentist will provide guidance on how to manage any discomfort during the initial days. You’ll also receive practical new denture care tips, such as how to clean and care for them properly. - Follow-up appointments:
After your fitting, follow-up visits may be necessary to assess the fit and comfort of the dentures and address any issues.
By knowing what to expect and how to manage them, you can approach your denture journey with confidence and prepare for the transition.
Smooth transition: adjustment to dentures
Adapting to life with dentures requires patience. But with the right strategies, the adjustment phase can be manageable, and you’ll find that dentures can become part of your daily routine.
The timeline of adjustment to dentures varies for everyone, depending on the person’s ability to adapt. In general, it usually takes several weeks to a month for people to feel completely comfortable with their new dental prosthetics. Here are some helpful strategies to ease the transition to first-time dentures:
- Start with Soft Foods:
In the early days of wearing your new dentures, it’s recommended to stick to soft foods. This reduces the excessive force on your gums and minimises irritation. Gradually, as you feel comfortable chewing, you can reintroduce firmer foods into your diet. - Practice Speaking Aloud:
It’s expected to experience difficulty pronouncing certain words or making sounds during the adjustment phase. Reading aloud or repeating difficult words a few times can help retrain your mouth to work with the dentures, making speaking easier and more natural over time. - Use Denture Adhesives:
If you’re finding it difficult to keep your dentures stable during the initial adjustment period, denture adhesives can help secure the fit. This provides comfort and helps prevent the dentures from moving, particularly when eating or talking. - Take Small Bites and Chew Slowly:
Eating with dentures may feel different at first, but it’s important to chew slowly and take small bites to avoid discomfort. This technique will provide time for your oral tissue to adjust to the dentures. - Stay Hydrated:
A dry mouth can exacerbate discomfort when adjusting to dentures, so staying hydrated is crucial. Drinking water frequently will help keep your mouth moist and reduce friction between your false teeth and soft tissue.
Employing these strategies and maintaining open communication with your dental professional can help you navigate your adjustment period more comfortably and effectively. However, it’s important to remember that each person’s adjustment experience is unique, and the strategies may vary from one patient to another.
Coping with initial denture discomfort
It’s normal for first-time denture wearers to feel discomfort, soreness, and difficulty with speech and eating during the initial weeks. As your mouth adjusts to the new dentures, your tongue and oral tissues will gradually adapt. It’s essential to be aware of ways to address this issue to prevent aggravating the pain.
Here are essential tips to alleviate discomfort and help you experience a smoother transition:
- Take pain medications:
Taking painkillers can help alleviate discomfort during the adjustment time, particularly when the gums are tender from constant pressure. - Remove dentures at night:
Before bed, give your gums a break by removing your custom-designed dentures. This allows your gums to rest from the pressure of dental prosthetics during the day and can prevent further irritation. Make sure to follow new denture care tips on cleaning and storing them properly when you remove them. - Rinse your mouth:
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater a few times a day to soothe discomfort. This simple technique can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. - Gradual wear time:
Start by wearing your dentures for short periods, gradually increasing the wear time as your gums adapt. This minimises the risk of sore spots and makes the overall adjustment to dentures more comfortable. However, always consult your dentist about the appropriate duration of resting from dentures. - Eat soft foods:
In the first few days, stick to soft foods such as yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and soups. It’s recommended to avoid hard or sticky foods that can exacerbate gum soreness while you adjust to new dentures.
If you continue to experience pain despite trying the measures given above, seek advice from a qualified dental professional. They can conduct an assessment and make any necessary adjustments to address your discomfort.
Addressing sore spots and irritations
Sore spots and irritation are frequent issues when wearing new dentures during the early days. These symptoms happen as a result of a loose-fitting denture or the pressure the denture puts on the gums.
If your gums or oral tissues feel sore, you can make use of the following methods to manage the discomfort.
- Use denture adhesives:
If you are dealing with a loose denture, consider using adhesives. These help stabilise the denture teeth, reduce movement, and alleviate friction. Adhesives also provide extra cushioning, helping to minimise the unnatural feeling that some people experience with new dentures. - Apply gels or creams:
There are many over-the-counter products, such as denture gels or creams, that can help soothe sore areas. However, these should only be seen as a temporary measure, and you must consult your dentist before using them. - Rinse and rest your gums:
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe minor irritation and promote healing. As mentioned earlier, taking breaks from wearing your dentures, such as removing them at night, allows your gums to recover. - Consult a dental professional:
Sore spots or gum irritation that don’t improve with time and pain management may indicate that your dentures need adjustment or relining. If this happens, it’s crucial to visit your dentist to have them assess your dentures and mouth. They can make your dentures fit properly in your mouth and prevent ongoing irritation.
Sore spots and irritation are normal when adjusting to new dentures, but relief should come with time. Most discomfort can be easily managed by using denture adhesives and over-the-counter products and giving your gums the rest they need.
However, if these issues persist or worsen, consulting your dentist for denture adjustments will help provide a better fit and long-term comfort. Taking action early can prevent minor issues from becoming major concerns, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your dentures sooner.
Enjoying meals and eating with new dentures
Getting used to eating with new dentures can take some time, but with a few adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite meals again.
- Start with soft foods:
During the first few days, stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, and scrambled eggs. These are gentle on your gums and require less chewing, which helps ease the transition as you adjust to eating with new dentures. Soft foods reduce the risk of irritation and allow you to focus on getting used to the feel of your dentures without added pressure. - Cut food into small pieces:
Prepare your food by cutting them into small bites before eating. This makes it easier to chew and reduces the strain on your gums. - Distribute chewing:
Try to chew slowly and on both sides of your mouth simultaneously. This helps balance the pressure on the dentures and against the gums and prevents them from tipping. - Avoid hard or crunchy foods:
Eating foods like nuts, hard candy, or sticky sweets can be challenging with new dentures. These items can dislodge your dentures or cause discomfort, so it’s better to avoid them during the adjustment period. Over time, as you become more comfortable, you can gradually reintroduce some of these foods into your diet. - Practice at home:
Before attending social gatherings or dining out, practise eating at home to build your confidence. This will allow you to adjust to different types of food without the added pressure of being in public, giving you the chance to learn what works for you. - Monitor food temperature:
Since dentures can insulate your mouth, you need to be cautious with hot foods. Always test the temperature with your lips before consuming to avoid burns. - Stay hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water during meals can help you swallow food more easily and prevent dry mouth, a common issue for new denture wearers. Sipping water between bites can also help remove food particles that might get stuck to your dentures. - Expand your diet:
As you become more comfortable, slowly reintroduce firmer foods like well-cooked vegetables, tender meats, and soft grains into your diet.
Understand that it takes several weeks to fully adjust to eating with new dentures. Be patient with yourself as you relearn how to enjoy meals again. However, if you encounter difficulties or discomfort despite following these tips, consult your dentist. They can give you further guidance in adapting to eating with new dentures.
New denture care tips for beginners
Taking proper care of your dentures is essential for maximising their longevity and remaining functional. We’ve listed down some key tips for keeping your dentures clean and in good condition:
- Clean your dentures daily:
Just like real teeth, dentures need to be cleaned daily to prevent bacteria buildup and maintain freshness. Use a soft brush specifically designed for dentures to remove food debris and plaque gently. Make sure to use a mild denture cleaning solution or denture cleanser instead of regular toothpaste. Such a product can be too abrasive and damage the surface of your dental prosthetics. - Soak dentures in a denture cleaner:
When you’re not wearing your dentures, store them in a denture-cleaning solution. Keeping them moist is crucial for maintaining their shape and preventing warping. Many people find that using a complete denture cleaning kit helps keep their dentures fresh and ready for use. - Handle with care:
Dentures are delicate and can break if accidentally dropped. So, always handle them over a surface with a folded towel or a sink filled with water. This simple step can help prevent damage in case of accidental dropping and extend denture longevity. - Regular check-ups with a dental professional:
Regular visits to your dentist are essential for keeping your dentures fitting well and your gums healthy. These appointments help monitor the condition of your denture and identify early signs of problems. This approach prevents potential issues such as loose-fitting dentures, which may lead to discomfort or irritation. - Avoid using hot water:
When cleaning or soaking your dentures, avoid using hot water, as high heat temperatures can cause warping. Stick to lukewarm water with a denture cleanser to keep your dentures in optimal shape. - Rinse dentures after eating:
After meals, it’s a good habit to remove and rinse your dentures with water to remove food particles. This simple action helps maintain cleanliness and prevents irritation from trapped debris.
By following these new denture care tips, you can maintain your dentures and maximise their longevity. Proper upkeep for new dentures is essential so they remain comfortable, functional, and clean for years.
Final Thoughts
Starting life with new dentures is a journey that requires patience as it brings restored oral functionality and comfort. While the adjustment period may come with challenges like discomfort, such hurdles are temporary with the right care strategies.
Each step, whether it’s learning to speak clearly again, eat, or care for your new dentures, contributes to the long-term success of tooth restoration. The key is to embrace the process, give yourself time, and seek professional advice when needed. As you continue to adapt, you’ll find that dentures are more than just a treatment. They offer the opportunity to regain confidence in your daily life.
If you have further questions or need support with your dentures, don’t hesitate to reach out to DaVinci Smiles. Book a consultation today by visiting our website or calling our clinic. Our team of friendly dentists is here to help you on your journey to a confident and complete smile.
