Whiting Dental Arts' Guide to Adjusting to New Dentures
Whether you are getting partial dentures, full dentures, or denture-supported dental implants, there is going to be a transitional period where you need to get used to your new teeth. For traditional removable dentures, you will likely have some difficulty eating/speaking initially and may notice increased saliva production and some soreness. It is very important to follow your dentist’s postcare instructions, make follow-up visits, and be patient as you adjust. In this guide, we will cover a few things to be aware of when adjusting to new dentures. If you have questions about denture care, the process of getting dentures, or need help with tooth replacement treatments in the Swampscott, MA area, please contact our team.
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What To Expect After Getting Dentures:
For traditional removable dentures, there are some common symptoms almost every patient experiences, including:
- Soreness/Pain: You may notice some soreness or redness around your gums, tongue, and cheeks. This is very common as you get used to the dentures.
- Difficulty Eating: It may be hard to chew at first. Sticking to soft foods, or foods like soup, can help with this adjustment period.
- Speech Issues: One of the more frustrating adjustments is learning how to speak with dentures. Your words may sound different at first as you adjust.
- Shifting/Slipping: Dentures can slip or shift at first. This is fairly common and can be solved by adjusting them or using a denture adhesive.
- Saliva Production: It is common for the body to respond to dentures by overproducing saliva. This usually calms down after a few weeks.
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Tips For Transitioning To Dentures
While many of the above symptoms are common and should be expected by patients, there are also a few strategies and tips that can help lessen the impact of those issues.
- Wear Your Dentures: You should follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding how long to wear your dentures. While you may have soreness or redness, it helps your mouth adjust when you wear them.
- Read Out Loud: If you are having difficulty speaking, it can help to read books out loud at home to get used to the dentures and retrain your mouth to create the right shapes.
- Clean Your Dentures: Make sure to remove your dentures each night and clean them according to the instructions your dentist gave you. This can prevent infection and gum disease.
- Eat Soft Foods: Soups, mashed potatoes, and small bite-sized foods make transitioning to dentures much easier. You should avoid hard or crunchy foods as you adjust.
When To Talk To Your Dentist About Denture Issues
You should not ignore pain or ill-fitting dentures. While some soreness in the first few weeks is common, if soreness is not going away, the dentures are slipping/sliding frequently, or you have noticed other issues with your dentures, you should call your dentist. Overtime your dentures should feel more comfortable and eating/talking should get easier. If you are noticing that this isn’t the case for you, we highly recommend setting up a quick appointment with your dental team. They can help troubleshoot, make recommendations, adjust your dentures if necessary, and put your mind at ease about your symptoms.
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Our team specializes in restorative dental care for patients here in the Swampscott area. If you need help with lost/damaged teeth, denture adjustments, or are interested in learning more about tooth replacement options, please contact our team. We would be happy to help you get the care you need.