16 Mar Your New Dentures: What to Expect
If you’re about to receive your first pair of dentures, there are a few things you’ll need to know. But first, it is essential that you allow yourself some adjustment time. A new denture is exactly that – new. It won’t feel like a pair of comfortable old slippers. Be patient, though, because in time your dentures will feel more like a natural part of your body.
Wearing your dentures
When your dental prosthetist has finished making your new teeth, he will clearly show you how to insert and remove them. You can practice these movements in the clinic several times until the dental prosthetist thinks you can safely perform them at home. (Important – you should never, ever apply heavy force on your dentures when you insert or remove them, as they may break or damage normal teeth and gums.)
Mealtimes
Wearing your new dentures at mealtimes may at first feel a little strange. Start with soft foods only for a few days until you get used to eating. Then slowly start to experiment with more solid foods. Always remember to cut your food into small pieces, so your mouth doesn’t have to do too much work.
Avoid biting into things with the front of your teeth as this can tip your denture out of place. Instead, use your back teeth for chewing.
Talking
You may feel a little self-conscious when you first talk in public wearing your new dentures. Don’t despair if you initially find it difficult to pronounce some words. Over time, you’ll learn how to place your tongue for better pronunciation. Speech will also become easier in time as the muscles in your mouth will become stronger and more coordinated.
Denture adhesives
Your dental prosthetist may recommend that you wear a denture adhesive. This gives you the added confidence that your denture will stay in place. If this idea sounds appealing, ask your dental prosthetist about adhesives at your next appointment.
Oral hygiene
Every day, gently clean and massage your gums with a soft tooth brush, making sure you pay special attention to the areas where the denture sits. Don’t just stop at the gums, though; clean your tongue with a soft tooth brush as well. Rinse with warm water and good mouth rinse and massage.
Initial discomfort
Your new dentures may feel a little uncomfortable in your mouth. However, this discomfort usually settles down after a couple of weeks. If your new denture is feeling sore, give your mouth a rest for a few hours so that your tissues can settle down. If you feel that your pain is getting worse, though, come in to see us as soon as you can. Your denture may need to be adjusted to improve the fit.
Evenings
Most people don’t wear dentures while they sleep. We recommend you take them out to give the tissues in your mouth a rest. Your dental prosthetist may recommend you put your teeth in a glass of water with Polident or similar denture cleaner to keep your dentures fresh and clean.
Stay in touch
Keep up your regular denture check-up appointments to ensure that your dentures stay comfortable and fit snugly. At your appointments, we will examine your mouth, gums and cheeks to make sure everything is healthy. We’ll also check to see that the denture is fitting properly and not damaged in any way.
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