Wearing dentures for the first time can be an odd feeling – to say the least. It can also be a bit challenging because a denture is a foreign object that doesn’t exactly feel or function quite like your natural teeth.
Without a doubt, it takes some time to get used to new dentures.
What Do Dentures Feel Like?
At first, dentures can feel bulky, causing a feeling of fullness in your lips and cheeks. But this will lessen with time as you feel more comfortable with your new, beautiful teeth.
You may also find yourself slurring your speech, gagging, salivating excessively, or having a funny taste in your mouth. This, too, shall pass. If it doesn’t, contact our office and let our dental staff know so we can help you.
Chewing with your new dentures may also take some time adjusting. It’s best to start by eating soft foods and working your way up to tougher items.
Instead of eating on one side of your mouth, concentrate on chewing on both sides – this will help to stabilize your teeth. Also, refrain from biting into foods with your front teeth, which could dislodge your dentures.
Getting Used to the Lower Denture
Another initial challenge is adjusting to your lower denture. That’s because it tends to float on top of your lower gums, and it doesn’t have the same suction as your upper denture.
It may even shift around in your mouth – if not out of it – until you get the hang of it. To prevent this from happening, rest your tongue against the inside and front edge of your lower denture to help hold it in place.
Suggestions for Getting Used to Your Dentures
Here are some other suggestions that will help you adapt to your new dentures:
- Use denture adhesives to help keep your dentures firmly in place, at least until you learn good tongue and lip control.
- Temporarily wear your dentures all the time, even when you go to sleep. Once you become accustomed to them, you can remove them before bed and let them soak during the night in a denture cleanser.
- If you develop a sore spot on your gums – a common occurrence with new dentures – rinse your mouth out with warm saltwater, and consult with the practice that fitted you for a possible denture adjustment. Like a 60-day warranty, this is typically a free service.
Of course, many of these difficulties can be avoided with denture stabilization implants. With this procedure, two or more implants with snap-on attachments are placed in an arch to fit your new dentures or to retrofit existing dentures.
Placing at least two implants will hold the dentures firmly in place and provide stability, while three or more implants will increase your chewing power. Plus, your dentures will still be easily removable, so you can clean them as usual. What’s more, your dentures will be more comfortable to wear.
Dentures Expert in Henderson, NV
To learn more about adjusting to new dentures or to discuss your options when it comes to implants, consult with the caring and compassionate dental specialists at Dedicated Dental. We’ve been treating patients in the Las Vegas area since 2006 at our office in Henderson, Nevada.
To make an appointment, call our friendly staff at (702) 566-5509 or fill out our online appointment request form today!
