About 90% of people without natural teeth have dentures. These artificial tooth replacements are popular because they’re a fast, durable, and affordable solution for missing teeth.
Dentures are removable tooth replacements that are customized to fit your mouth. When properly fitted, dentures provide a natural-looking, comfortable substitute for missing teeth. The result can restore self-image, daily function, and quality of life when you lose your teeth to decay or trauma.
While dentures can make a difference in your daily life, getting accustomed to wearing new oral devices can take time. Your gums, teeth, and tongue need time to adapt to the presence of dentures, especially if it’s the first set you’ve worn.
Working with an experienced dental team can help ensure that your transition to dentures is as smooth as possible. Dentures specialists George Kontoveros, DMD, and Anthony Klobas, DMD, of 2K Dental, have the expertise necessary to deliver natural-looking dentures that match the function and appearance of your original teeth. From your initial examination to your final fitting, the team at 2K Dental works to ensure that your dentures deliver optimal results.
Whether you’re getting your first pair of dentures or a replacement set, you’ll likely have to work through a period of adjustment. Here’s what you can do to make the process a little easier.
Everyone adjusts to new dentures in their own time. While it’s typical to take one to two months for your dentures to feel like they’re part of your mouth, factors like the type of dentures you receive and the amount of time you lived without teeth can impact how quickly your mouth adjusts to artificial tooth replacements.
The team at 2K Dental has years of experience helping patients succeed with their transition to wearing dentures. The instructions and guidelines you receive are based on our knowledge and the success of previous patients.
While it can be disappointing and frustrating to endure an adjustment period with new dentures, you can be sure that you’ll grow comfortable with your new dentures in time.
Having a full set of teeth can make it easier to enjoy eating a wide range of foods you may have bypassed with missing teeth. However, it can be challenging to learn how to eat with dentures.
Your teeth and jaw play significant roles in eating. As you adjust to dentures, your cheek muscles have to become accustomed to holding your dentures in place. Initially, this can make it more challenging to eat as you retrain these muscles.
After you receive your dentures, start eating soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and eggs. Cut food into small pieces or use small portions. Chew your food slowly using both sides of your mouth.
Avoid eating anything crunchy or chewy like red meat, raw carrots, or crackers.
If you lived with missing teeth for a while, you might find it difficult to speak clearly with a full set of dentures. It may seem like you suddenly have a foreign object in your mouth.
Try reading out loud or speaking in front of a mirror privately so you can refine your speech and learn to work around your dentures. Doing so can help you feel more confident in social interactions so you can communicate clearly and show off your new smile.
Denture adhesive helps secure your dentures and prevents slipping and shifting when you laugh, smile, or cough. Your dentures can also slip when you eat or talk. No matter when it occurs, it can be embarrassing to experience denture slippage.
As the muscles in your cheeks and tongue become more accustomed to your dentures, the amount of slippage you experience will lessen. If you’re not happy with the first brand of dental adhesive you use, try other options or ask our team for suggestions.
Persistent denture slippage can indicate an improper fit, so it’s critical to contact us if the problem continues.
Mouth pain is common when you begin wearing your dentures. Before leaving our office with your new dentures, you’ll receive instructions on what you can do to reduce mouth discomfort and transition to life with dentures.
Follow your dentist’s instructions about the amount of time you should wear your new dentures every day. You may delay or complicate the adjustment period by ignoring our instructions.
Wearing your dentures for longer than advised can increase mouth pain and sore spots that can turn into infections. Wearing them for less time than recommended can delay your ability to become comfortable.
Find out more about the benefits of dentures and how we can help you make the transition faster and more comfortable. Contact our office in Parma, Cleveland, or Akron, Ohio, to schedule a consultation today.
