Dentures are a popular solution for individuals who are missing any number of natural teeth. These prosthetic teeth can dramatically improve oral function and appearance, though first-time wearers report various challenges adjusting to new dentures that dentists can address.

What do most new denture wearers typically experience?

Most new denture wearers require about one month to adjust to the sensations accompanying a foreign substance in the mouth. Common symptoms that most people experience include:

  • Changed facial expressions
  • Difficulty speaking and eating
  • Excessive saliva production
  • Gum and oral tissue irritation

What are some tips for adjusting to new dentures?

Most people eventually adjust to wearing dentures. Still, although most uncomfortable symptoms resolve naturally, dentists can offer four helpful tips to help patients manage those that pose the most significant frustration.

1. Read and sing aloud

Many new denture wearers are unable to pronounce words they previously mastered. For example, words with specific letters may be particularly challenging because dentures sit in the mouth differently than natural teeth, interfering with the tongue's placement while speaking. Eventually, the mouth repositions naturally, but dentists recommend reading aloud to help patients become conscious of the adjustments necessary to produce various sounds. Singing is also helpful because it promotes slow enunciation that allows the mouth to sustain correct positioning.

2. Exercise facial muscles

Dental patients often exhibit unwanted facial expressions while adjusting to new dentures. Facial movements may change when the muscles and lips attempt to reposition around prosthetic teeth. Also, new dentures necessitate using different facial muscles than those that move around natural teeth. Activating new muscles can be strenuous and promote hypersalivation along with unusual facial expressions. Dentists may recommend exercises to strengthen the cheek muscles, even before installing dentures. Doing so helps prevent exaggerated facial movements as patients strain to use weak or previously dormant muscles while speaking or eating.

3. Stay hydrated

Anyone who wears dentures for the first time may experience some mouth soreness during the adjustment period. Although severe discomfort may indicate the need to resize poorly fitting dentures, most soreness resolves quickly as patients naturally avoid movements that cause friction. Still, it is advisable to address oral abrasions promptly. Dentists also recommend drinking lots of water to hydrate the mouth and prevent dryness that makes delicate oral tissue susceptible to damage. In addition to relieving tender spots in the mouth, adequate hydration discourages the growth of oral bacteria, which can compromise dentures and lead to gum disease.

4. Plan meals

Dentures primarily function to improve chewing ability, but many new wearers find that eating is challenging. Dentists advise patients to eat soft, room-temperature foods like eggs and yogurt and avoid hard and sticky foods, like apples and candy, immediately after receiving new dentures to reduce the chewing force that irritates sensitive gums. Also, choosing food-softening cooking methods like steaming, and cutting food into small bites to chew using both sides of the mouth, can help patients transition to eating solid foods.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Adjusting to New Dentures in New York, NY

Conclusion

Anyone adjusting to new dentures should know that some discomfort is normal, but it is not permanent. A dentist can offer helpful tips to ensure that anyone who wears dentures has a positive experience.

Request an appointment or call New York Dental Office at 212-548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.

Recent Posts

New Habits To Make While Adjusting To New Dentures

When a significant change comes to your life, it can be a little difficult to feel comfortable. This is often the case when adjusting to new dentures. At first, the dentures tend to feel a bit awkward in the mouth, and it may not be as easy to do certain things. Routine actions such as…

Adjusting To New Dentures: Is It Okay To Use Mouthwash?

When adjusting to new dentures, patients are sometimes unsure of how to take care of them. Dentures need to be kept clean just like natural teeth, but it is not always obvious how to do so or what should be used. One question, in particular, stands out: "Is it okay to use mouthwash?"A common piece…

Improving Your Oral Health While Adjusting To New Dentures

When you are adjusting to new dentures, it may seem that taking care of them requires a lot of time. Not only do you need to brush them every day, but you also need to soak them in a special solution each time you take them out overnight. Eventually, your denture care steps will become…

Corey Brick, DDS

Share
Published by
Corey Brick, DDS

Recent Posts

How to Clean and Maintain Your Dentures for Optimal Oral Health

Dentures are the way to go if you are looking for an affordable way to…

4 days ago

Choosing an Adult Orthodontics Option

Having an attractive smile will give you a boost of confidence, and adult orthodontics may…

5 days ago

3 Signs You Need Your Dentures Relined

The need for relining your dentures may not occur to you because of your busy…

6 days ago

Types of Dentures: Which Is the Best Option for You?

Dentures can replace teeth right away. It is a common solution to tooth loss. Because…

2 weeks ago

What to Expect After Getting Full Dentures

Full dentures can replace the teeth of each dental arch. Your gums and saliva will…

2 weeks ago

What to Expect When Getting Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are one of the missing teeth replacement options you get to choose from…

3 weeks ago