When you first get dentures, you may not know what to expect as you get accustomed to the appliances. It’s important to know what is normal and what signs can indicate the need to consult with your prosthodontist for further adjustments to your dentures. There are also some things that you can do to make the acclimation period go as smoothly as possible.
Getting Used To Your New Dentures
You’ll likely find that your new dentures feel rather awkward in your mouth for the first few weeks. Your cheeks and tongue are getting used to holding the appliance in place, which is a totally new sensation. Additionally, you may notice some increased gum sensitivity as those tissues get accustomed to contact with the denture. Your saliva production may also increase. This is a normal response to wearing a new denture.
These issues should resolve over time. If they persist or if you experience significant discomfort, you may need to have the denture altered to improve its fit. Patients should talk to their prosthodontist about the signs that further adjustments might need to be made in order to improve comfort and function of the denture.
Suggestions For Successfully Adjusting To Dentures
The patient can take certain actions to make their adjustment to dentures more successful. Here are some tips for an uneventful process.
- Be patient: It does take time to get used to your new prosthetic. Don’t expect to chew and speak like normal within hours of being fitted with your dentures. Go slow. For example, cutting your food into small pieces can help you to eat at first. Eventually, you’ll be able to resume a more normal diet.
- Find an adhesive that works for you: Your prosthodontist can make recommendations of adhesives that will best meet your needs. Different adhesives can have different properties, and professional guidance can be helpful on this matter.
- Sing more to speak better: When you begin wearing your dentures, you may find that singing is more effortless than speaking. So sing out. The practice will translate into improvements in your speech, as well.
- Give your cheek muscles a workout: You will need to strengthen your cheek muscles so that they can effectively hold the denture in place. Do exercises before you even get your dentures to get a head start.
Want to learn more about adjusting to new dentures? Call Dakota Prosthodontics and Implant Center and speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members.
