How to Get Used to Wearing New Dentures
It’s normal to feel frustrated when wearing full or partial dentures for the first time. After all, it’s a big change. But it’s important to remember that this transition won’t last forever. During the first few weeks, your new dentures will feel more like a foreign object than an extension of your body. Following the advice of our dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, will help you make a smooth transition.
Here’s how to get started.
Stick to Eating Soft Foods at First
Regardless of whether or not you’ve recently had a tooth extracted, we recommend that patients who are first start with soft foods that are easy to chew. Otherwise, the more you chew, the more friction you’ll create between your gums and the base of your dentures.
It’s normal to have gum sores during the first few weeks of wearing new dentures. That’s why our Grand Rapids dentist recommends being as gentle as possible to your gums by eating soft, easy-to-chew foods. Eventually, you’ll be able to work your way up to eating tougher, chewier foods.
Practice Speaking Out Loud
It’ll take some time for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to get used to speaking around a new denture appliance. But the more you practice , the faster you’ll acclimate. That’s why we recommend reading out loud from your favorite book or singing along to the radio.
While you may slur your words a little at first, you’ll soon get used to speaking with your dentures. Practice makes perfect.
Know How to Correct Slipping Dentures
Even well-fitting, comfortable dentures may slip from time to time. This is especially the case if you make a sudden movement, such as cough or sneeze. The good news is that you can easily (and discreetly) correct slipping dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. Doing this will help ease the dentures back in place so you can continue your conversation or meal without interruption.
If your dentures slip often, schedule an appointment with our office to get them re-fitted. As your mouth heals after tooth extraction, it’s normal for the gums and bone to shrink. That’s why we tell our patients to schedule follow-up appointments with our office if we give them immediate dentures.
Try Using Denture Adhesive
Your dentures should fit well with or without adhesive. But some patients feel more peace of mind while using denture adhesive. If you’re interested in using a denture adhesive, be sure to ask Dr. Nichols for product recommendations. He’ll be able to point you in the right direction so you can find a product that works well for your smile.
If you find yourself using denture adhesive more and more often, schedule an appointment with our office to get your dentures re-fitted.
Keep Seeing Our Grand Rapids Dentist
A lot of people assume that they no longer need dental care once they lose most or all of their teeth. However, the truth is that it’s still important to see our Grand Rapids dentist for routine preventive care. Even if you no longer have any natural teeth, we’ll still want to evaluate the health of your gums and underlying jawbone.
Depending on your circumstances, Dr. Nichols may recommend you get dental implants at some point to preserve jawbone density, maintain your natural face shape, and prevent any additional tooth loss.
Request a Denture Consultation
Dr. Michael Nichols is an experienced . He’s accepting new patients and would be more than happy to welcome you to our practice. During your appointment, Dr. Nichols can offer you more tips on how to adjust to wearing new dentures. To request an appointment, please call Nichols Family Dentistry at (616) 333-8496. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.