Adjusting to Life With Dentures

Dentures are a popular replacement for missing teeth, but despite their time-tested usefulness, they can still take some getting used to. Here, Amy Morris, DDS, and our expert team at Morris Dental Associates offer simple tips to help you adjust to your new dentures more quickly.

The early days of denture wear

While today’s dentures are lightweight and comfortable, there’s no denying they’re going to feel a little odd in your mouth when you first begin wearing them. Initially, you might have some irritation or feelings of pressure as your gums adjust their presence. These sensations are normal and gradually improve within the first week or so.

Many people report their dentures feel slightly “too large,” or they’re producing more saliva than usual. Again, these experiences are common and normal, clearing up once you become used to the way the dentures feel in your mouth.

It’s also common to have some difficulty speaking clearly or eating and chewing certain foods, effects that, though temporary, can take a toll on your confidence. Luckily, the following tips can help you adjust more quickly, so you feel confident and comfortable at home and in social settings, too.

Adjust to your dentures with confidence

To get used to life with dentures more quickly, make the following strategies part of your adjustment routine.

Read out loud

One of the best ways to feel more comfortable speaking with dentures is to get as much practice talking out loud as possible. Reading aloud is a great way to practice saying lots of different words and getting used to the way your dentures feel when you’re talking.

Wear them as directed

Initially, it might be tempting to slip your dentures off while you’re at home. But the less often you wear your dentures, the longer it takes to adjust to how they feel. 

Wear your dentures for as long as we recommend to help the adjustment process move along more quickly. If you have a lot of discomfort or your dentures seem to slip when you’re wearing them, give us a call for an adjustment.

Make use of adhesives

While today’s dentures are designed to fit snugly and comfortably by following the natural contours of your gums, denture adhesive gives you an added boost of confidence and dispels fears of embarrassing slippage. 

Use adhesive sparingly to improve your confidence level during the adjustment period, and be sure to gently brush it off when you remove your dentures at the end of each day.

Sample a variety of foods

Aside from speaking, eating is perhaps the second biggest worry for new denture-wearers. To feel more comfortable during meals and snacks, practice eating a variety of foods at home before venturing out to a restaurant. 

Begin with soft foods, like soups, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs to get a feel for how your dentures respond when you chew. As you feel more comfortable, gradually add in more foods, focusing on those you’re most likely to choose when eating out. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that might cause irritation early on.

Establish a care routine

Caring for dentures is simple and straightforward, and setting up a routine helps ensure your dentures stay fresh and clean throughout the day. 

Always rinse your dentures after eating, and brush them twice daily using a soft-bristled brush and a nonabrasive toothpaste to prevent scratches. Remove them before bedtime to give your gums a rest, and use an overnight soak for extra freshness.

Know when to call for an adjustment

It’s perfectly normal for dentures to feel a little strange at first, and it’s also common to have some mild irritation while your gums adjust. That said, dentures should never feel painful, nor should they feel loose or slip when you’re speaking. If you experience these issues, give us a call so we can adjust your dentures and improve their fit.

Restore your smile with dentures

Missing teeth can take a toll on your confidence as well as your oral health. Dentures are a time-tested way to restore your smile and improve your quality of life, too.

Conveniently located in Abilene, Texas, Morris Dental Associates is proud to serve patients in Abilene, Sweetwater, Brownwood, Eastland, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about dentures, request an appointment online or over the phone with our team today.