How to Get Used to Your Dentures & How Long Does it Take?
Despite their benefits, adapting to new dentures can be a challenging experience for some people. It can be painful at times, and there’s often an adjustment period when switching to dentures.
Dentures do more than replace missing teeth, as they play an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of the mouth. They help in distributing the forces of chewing across the jaw, supporting facial muscles, and aiding in clear speech. In this post, we’ll learn how to get used to your dentures and give you an idea of how long the process takes.
How Long Does it Take to Get Used to Dentures?
The adjustment period for new dentures will vary from person to person, influenced by the type of dentures and individual healing rates. However, most people start feeling comfortable with their new prosthetics within days or weeks of fitting their dentures.
It’s common to experience sore spots, excessive saliva production, and minor irritation as your mouth gets accustomed to the dentures. These issues usually begin to diminish as the muscles and tissues of your mouth adapt. For most individuals, a period of 2 to 4 weeks is sufficient to get used to the basic functions of wearing dentures. This includes learning how to keep them in place while talking and eating.
Factors Influencing the Adjustment Period
The type of dentures (full or partial) can affect how quickly you’ll adapt. Full dentures might take a bit longer due to their extensive coverage of the gum area, whereas a partial denture will take less time to feel normal. High-quality, well-fitted dentures, made by a competent dental professional like our team at Denturly, will minimise initial discomfort and make the adjustment period smoother and faster. In recent times, 3D-printed dentures are the best-fitting dentures available, which means a shorter adjustment period for you.
How to Get Used to Wearing Dentures
Introduce your mouth to dentures gradually. Begin by wearing them for a few hours each day, increasing the duration as you feel more comfortable. As you get used to the sensation, try to wear the dentures for longer periods, especially during meals and conversation, to hasten the adjustment.
Begin your dietary journey with dentures by eating soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as puddings, soups, and mashed potatoes. This will give you a chance to adjust without having to strain your muscles or mouth too much. Speaking might feel different initially, too. Practise reading aloud to regain your normal speech pattern quickly.
Eating with Dentures
Opt for soft, non-sticky foods that are easy to chew when starting with dentures. Gradually introduce more solid foods as you grow more accustomed to the dentures. Learn to chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth to prevent the dentures from tipping. Avoid biting directly into hard foods with front teeth to prevent dislodgement. Proper cleaning techniques are essential to prolong the life of your dentures and maintain oral hygiene.
Managing Discomfort and Complications
It’s quite common to experience slight discomfort when wearing dentures for the first time, but if things get bad then it might be a more serious problem. If sore spots develop, use saltwater rinses and consult your dentist for possible denture adjustments. Home remedies like saltwater can alleviate minor pains, but your dentist should address persistent issues. Also, make sure that you consult your dentist if the dentures feel loose. They may need to be adjusted to fit the contours of your mouth.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Staying on top of denture maintenance will help you get the most out of them. So schedule regular check-ups to ensure that your dentures fit well and to get them professionally cleaned. Follow-up appointments will also help address any discomfort and give your dentist a chance to make necessary adjustments to the dentures. Dentures may need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years due to natural changes in the shape of your jaws and wear and tear.
Getting used to new dentures takes time, patience, and care, but with the right approach and support from your dental team, you can enjoy the full benefits of your new teeth.
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