Dealing with the effects of missing teeth can be a major challenge and affect several aspects of your life, from your nutrition and health to your confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, dentures are one of the fastest and most efficient restorations available for full or partial tooth loss. But getting used to dentures takes time and some people experience a bit of temporary discomfort during the adjustment period.
Whether you’ve been living without teeth for some time or your tooth loss is recent, our dentists and dental team can fix your smile and improve your oral health. At Scott Young, DDS, we offer a range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry services at our office in The Woodlands, Texas.
It is important to realize when you first get your dentures that there will be a temporary adjustment period and a bit of trial and error while you get used to your new teeth. Many people have to get their dentures adjusted for fit, experiment with different adhesives and denture creams, and make some lifestyle changes.
It’s a normal part of the process, but the goal is to achieve a comfortable and secure fit and to restore the function of your mouth. Here are a few steps you can take to make the process a little smoother.
It’s understandable to want to get back to your normal routine right away after getting dentures, especially if you’ve been living with tooth loss for some time. However, it’ll take some time for your gums to heal if you’ve had extractions or just for your gums to get used to the feel of your new appliance.
The same holds true for chewing and speaking. It’s important to have realistic expectations in the beginning, but the good news is that modern dentures are more comfortable and functional than ever, so you will get used to them soon.
Slurred speech or lisping is one of the lesser discussed side effects of tooth loss, and many people find that speaking with a new set of dentures is also difficult in the beginning. Experts recommend reading out loud or singing to practice and improve your speech after you get your dentures.
A near-perfect fit for your dentures is the goal, but more often than not they will require some adjustments as your gums heal or shrink. Pay attention to how your dentures feel, and let the dentist know if they’re slipping or causing friction with your gums, tongue, or cheeks.
Cleaning your dentures properly and practicing good oral hygiene is important, even if you’ve lost all of your natural teeth. Follow the instructions for proper denture care provided by our team, and continue to brush and floss your remaining natural teeth as usual.
If your dentures are new, you’ll probably have to experiment a bit to find the best products and routine that works for you. Ask our team for help if you’re not sure what products to use or how to care for your dentures.
Once you’ve made it through the adjustment period, you can rest assured that your new dentures will look, feel, and function like the real thing!
For more information about dentures and other dental restoration options available, contact our office today to schedule an appointment, or request one online.
