Adjusting to New Dentures
Getting used to wearing new dentures
Transitioning to new dentures can be both exciting and challenging. It requires patience and practice to adjust to wearing them full time. At Cedar Grove Dental Group, located in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area, our team is here to provide tips and support to help you through this adjustment period. We offer various strategies that you can practice at home to make the transition easier. Contact us at (973) 857-0567 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
Tips for adjusting to new dentures
Adjusting to dentures can be a learning process as they feel and act differently than natural teeth. It is important for individuals to continue wearing their dentures to help their mouth adjust, even if they initially feel too loose or big. Patients may experience difficulty speaking with dentures at first due to changes in mouth muscle movement. To help with this adjustment, we suggest practicing speaking in front of a mirror and starting with a slow pace. Additionally, using the right denture adhesive can help keep dentures in place while speaking, eating, and drinking.
“While dentures improve the form and function of a person’s smile, they feel and act differently than natural teeth.”
Maintaining Clean Dentures
Maintaining a consistent and effective dental hygiene routine is crucial when adjusting to new dentures. Proper denture care is necessary for keeping the gums and mouth healthy. It is important to brush and rinse dentures daily to remove food and plaque, as well as soak them overnight to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials like harsh or whitening toothpaste, hot water, and bleach-containing products. Regular dental check-ups are also essential to ensure that the dentures fit correctly and prevent discomfort or slippage.
“Another crucial aspect of adjusting to new dentures is a consistent and effective dental hygiene routine.”
Expectations must be met within 30 days
During the initial 30-day period, patients are advised to be gentle with their mouths and allow themselves time to adjust to a new routine. It is important for new denture wearers to have realistic expectations. Although oral discomfort is to be expected, dentures will gradually become more natural and comfortable. Increased salivation and sore spots in the mouth are common during the first month of wearing new dentures.
While eating and speaking may feel unfamiliar initially, practicing and being patient are crucial during the adjustment period. If fit and comfort issues persist after a month, individuals should contact us to schedule an adjustment appointment. By the end of the first 30 days, individuals should be able to comfortably and confidently engage in their daily activities.
“During the 30-day adjustment period, patients should be gentle on their mouths and take their time with the new routine.”
Changing Eating Habits
For those adjusting to new dentures, it is important to start with soft foods to make chewing easier. Learning how to chew without dislodging dentures, biting tongues, or irritating gums is key. When ready to progress to tougher foods, cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces that can be easily chewed with the back teeth is recommended. Avoid using front teeth to chew, as it can cause dentures to become loose in the back. Sticky foods, hard items, and tough cuts of meat should also be avoided to prevent dentures from coming loose or getting damaged.
