Is It Difficult to Get Used to Dentures?

Million of Americans wear dentures — about 41 million, in fact, a number that’s expected to grow even more as baby boomers continue marching into their senior years. Dentures can transform your smile and help you maintain optimal oral health and function — but there’s no denying they can take some getting used to.

Morris Dental Associates in Abilene, Texas, is a leading provider of state-of-the-art dentures for patients from in the Abilene, Sweetwater, Brownwood, and Eastland areas, helping women and men feel more confident about their appearance and their oral health following tooth loss. 

In this post, Amy Morris, DDS, and our team offer a quick overview of denture adjustment so you’ll know what to expect during that all-important “breaking-in” period.

They’re going to feel “different”

When you first receive your dentures, they’re going to feel a little unfamiliar. That’s completely normal. After all, there’s something foreign in your mouth — and it’s going to take a little time to adjust to it. Don’t worry — you absolutely will adjust, and soon, you won’t even realize you’re wearing them.

In the first week or so, though, you can expect your dentures to feel unnaturally large or bulky. You’ll feel some pressure on your gums, too. Again, that’s normal. At first, it might seem irritating — but if your dentures cause outright pain, that means they need to be adjusted. Call the office and we can help.

Daily life with dentures

The first few meals with dentures can feel awkward. Biting and chewing require coordination between your tongue, cheeks, and jaw, and your muscles need a little time to “relearn” how to work together with your new teeth. 

Starting with soft foods is a great way to get used to this experience without too much hassle. As you become more comfortable with your dentures, work in other foods, focusing on the foods you like most. Eating a variety of foods at home also helps you feel more comfortable when you go out to eat with family and friends, too. 

Next to eating, speaking can also pose some initial challenges — again, largely due to the coordination required when you speak. Certain words might be tricky to pronounce, and you may notice a slight lisp or change in your speech in those early days. 

Once again, this is common, typically resolving within a few days to a couple of weeks. Practice speaking and reading out loud at home, and if speech issues persist, call our office for a quick adjustment.

Know about your alternatives

Dentures are a time-tested solution for restoring your smile, oral health and function, and confidence after tooth loss, but they’re not your only choice. If you’re simply not happy with the way your dentures fit and feel after several weeks of wearing them (and if adjustments don’t improve your concerns), it might be time to consider other options.

If you’re missing a few teeth, a bridge might be a good option. Dental bridges span the gap left by missing teeth. Bridges are attached to the teeth on either side of that gap, and they can be removable or permanent.

Dental implants are another increasingly popular alternative to dentures. Implants can be used to replace one or several missing teeth, or even an entire row of teeth. Literally implanted in your jaw bone, implants are designed like natural teeth for considerable stability and comfort.

Restore your beautiful smile

Dentures featuring today’s durable, lightweight materials can be a real game-changer, restoring your smile and your quality of life. While they can take some getting used to, most people find they adjust fully within a week or two of getting their new dentures, returning to all their normal activities with ease.

To find out more about dentures and how they can restore your smile and improve your oral health, request an appointment at our Abilene, Texas, practice today.