- Adapting to your dentures may initially pose a challenge, but rest assured, you’re not alone in this journey. Just like with anything new, it takes time to adjust. Your Denturist and our dedicated team are here to provide you with the necessary support and guidance every step of the way. It is essential to understand that dentures, which are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues, fill the void where your natural teeth once were. However, they cannot duplicate the feel and function of your natural teeth. Initially, a new denture may feel strange and bulky, causing a sensation of fullness in the lips and cheeks. These feelings will subside over time, and you will feel more at ease.
- You may also experience slurred speech, gagging, excessive salivation, and diminished taste. These symptoms are common as your mouth adjusts to the new dentures. They will disappear over time! If these symptoms persist, please contact our office, and we will be happy to work with you to troubleshoot and help you adjust to your new lifestyle. Learning to chew with dentures takes time. We suggest starting with soft foods initially and gradually introducing more difficult or firm foods.
- Chew on both sides of your mouth simultaneously to stabilize your teeth.
- Avoid biting into food with your front teeth, as it may dislodge your dentures.
- Mastering your lower dentures will take time and patience. As it does not have the same suction as your upper denture, you might find that it “floats” and moves around in your mouth. To counteract this, try resting your tongue against the inside of the lower denture, on the front edge, to hold it in place.
- Until you learn good tongue and lip control, adhesives, which are special creams that help hold your dentures in place, are helpful. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the clean, dry surface of your dentures before inserting them into your mouth. Adhesives may also be beneficial for your upper dentures. First, always wear your dentures, including at night, to help adapt more quickly.
- After you have become accustomed to them, you should take them out at night and follow a suitable cleaning routine.
- It is common to feel sore spots on your gums as you adjust to the new dentures. If you develop a sore spot, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and schedule an appointment, which may involve reshaping the denture or adjusting the fit. These adjustments are typically expected as part of the process of any new denture.
- Some challenges you may face with traditional dentures can be overcome with implant-based dentures. As a current or future denture wearer, we encourage you to explore these implants as a potential option to enhance your health and overall lifestyle. Your Denturist will also discuss all available options with you.
- Remember, it’s perfectly normal to need time to adjust to your dentures and possibly require a few adjustments. Don’t let this discourage you! The Ottawa Valley Denture Clinic team is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for you.
