Getting Used to Dentures: Everything You Need To Know

You’re not supposed to lose your teeth. Under ideal circumstances, you keep them for a lifetime. Unfortunately, life’s not perfect, and many people lose teeth: 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. And some people lose more than one; 40 million are missing all.

This is where dentures come in. And if you need a few gaps with dentures, you’re in luck. They’re better and more realistic than ever. You must follow some tips to make the transition smooth and seamless.

Thomas Eaton, DDS, located in Ione, CA, can fit you for the perfect set of dentures to make your smile bright and confident. Whether you’re missing just one tooth, a row of teeth, or a whole mouthful, she treats you with expertise and care so you can eat, chew, talk, and laugh without worry. Here’s what you need to know about getting used to dentures.

In transition

You may have lost teeth due to an accident or injury or had them removed due to disease or decay. Whatever the reason, your mouth has undergone some trauma. 

So, while you’re healing, we fit you with some temporary dentures that immediately cover your gaps and ease you into the experience. With these initial dentures, you can eat and speak and not worry about unsightly gaps while we’re preparing your custom-fitted dentures.

During this time, your gums may be a little sensitive, which means you may initially have some discomfort. But it doesn’t take long to get used to your new appliance. If you practice patience, you can smile, chew, and speak confidently again soon. And when we outfit you with your regular dentures, you’ll be ready.

Sing a song

A tried and true trick of speech therapists is to tackle speech issues like stuttering with singing. The same holds for getting used to dentures.

Some people find speaking with new dentures a little awkward, and singing seems to be an excellent way to practice keeping them in your mouth. By singing in your car, in your shower, or with your family and friends, speech comes more easily.

Watch what you eat at first

When you get your new dentures, it’s best to start slowly with soft foods until you get used to having the appliance in your mouth. For instance, soup, mashed potatoes, and pasta are good ideas; steak with corn on the cob is not. You can slowly add firmer and crunchier foods once you’re accustomed to chewing and swallowing with dentures.

As you progress toward chewier foods, take smaller bites and chew on both sides of your mouth so you distribute pressure evenly. It isn’t long before you can enjoy your favorite foods again.

Be careful of extreme temperatures

Your sensory nerves tell you when your coffee is too hot, or your ice cream is too cold, but your new dentures have no nerves to warn you about such things. Part of getting used to your dentures is checking the temperature of your food and drinks before you take a bite or sip. Extreme temperatures can damage your dentures.

Clean your dentures well

Like your natural teeth, it’s essential to keep your dentures clean. If you have complete dentures, remove them every night and use special cleansers to clean away bacteria and debris. With your dentures removed for cleaning, gently brush your gums. 

If you have partial dentures, they’re likely attached to your natural teeth, so you need to care for them like your existing teeth. Brush, floss, and rinse daily to preserve your anchor teeth' health and keep your prosthetic and natural teeth sparkling.

If you’re planning to get dentures and are looking for a specialist who can guide you through the process from beginning to end, call Thomas Eaton, DDS, at 209-274-2429 or schedule an appointment online.