Transitioning to dentures can be a big adjustment. Partial or full dentures can be uncomfortable at first. The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce discomfort and get used to the new appliances. Try on these tips to help you adjust to your new smile.
5 Tips For Getting Comfortable Wearing Dentures
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Like braces, your dentures will feel like a foreign object at first. It may even seem embarrassing to learn how to speak or eat naturally while wearing them. It's normal to feel a little shock and discomfort as you're getting used to this, but it won't last forever.
As you become accustomed to speaking and eating, patience is critical. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is not unusual to experience minor soreness after getting new dentures. Visits to your dentist to readjust your dentures can help relieve some discomfort in the meantime. Also, consider taking out your dentures every few hours or so as your gums and jaw are still getting used to them.
However, in this early phase of wear, don't forego nutritious foods for more forgiving, processed items. According to the ADA, you should start with smaller bites of softer foods that are easy to chew and take time to work up to more difficult items, like red meat or apples.
2. Practice Speaking by Singing
This is a tip from professional speech therapists. Music is an excellent form of speech training. With your new dentures, try singing along to your favorite music during the day. Techniques like singing smooth, fluid phrases at slower rates can help you get used to forming certain words more easily so your dentures won't feel like a hindrance.
3. Exercise Your Facial Muscles
Your cheek muscles help direct the food in your mouth as you prepare to swallow. So, like working out any body part, building these muscles in the first few weeks (or even before getting your dentures) can give you more control over your meals while eating.
If you continue to have cheek pain, it can be a sign of ill-fitting dentures as well. Be sure to schedule a dentist visit if you feel any ongoing discomfort.
4. Experiment with an Adhesive
Talk to your dentist or prosthodontist about the best dental creams or adhesives currently available, and experiment with what kind works best for you. A small amount can go along way to reducing early irritation. But don't substitute adhesive for poorly fitting dentures either. Always make an appointment with your dentist if you feel you need a more lasting adjustment for a better fit.
5. Follow Your Post-Extraction Plan
One of the most important steps you can take when getting comfortable with dentures is to be on top of your treatment plan. Everyone heals differently, and your mouth will be sore following a tooth extraction. It may also take longer to feel comfortable wearing them, as dentures can fit differently as your gumline shifts over time. Therefore, taking any medication as prescribed while attending your appointments for all necessary changes will help reduce your discomfort during this transition.
Ultimately, don't miss any of your dental visits after the first few months of wearing dentures. Even now that you have new teeth, it's just as important to always keep with your regular checkups and take care of your oral hygiene at home. Remember, many people adjust to wearing dentures and overall experience an improvement in their quality of life. Follow these tips, and you will be on your way to eating, chewing, and speaking comfortably.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
