Dentures are the most widely used prosthetic for missing teeth. If you’re considering either full or partial dentures, knowing what to expect can make your transition smoother.
The first few weeks of wearing dentures may pose some challenges. With time, however, you’ll learn how to adjust without any changes to your speech or choice of foods.
Dr. Samuel Sigmon, our expert at Full Circle Dental Care, provides dentures to patients with missing teeth, helping them adjust every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect from adjusting to life with dentures.
If you’ve never worn dentures before, it may take you some time to get used to them. Even though traditional dentures fit snugly on the gums, they can slip sometimes. The upper piece covering the roof of your mouth can also feel uncomfortable at first, but you’ll forget it’s there once you get used to it.
However, dentures can feel loose or tight, causing blisters and sores. If you experience this, you can ask your provider to readjust your dentures.
Initially, you may notice some discomfort and increased production of saliva. However, as you adjust to your dentures, your saliva production will normalize, and the discomfort will subside.
During the first few weeks of wearing dentures, you may benefit from eating soft foods so you don’t put more pressure on your gums when chewing.
Some foods will always be a challenge when wearing dentures. Candies, nuts, and seeds require more precision, but you’ll eventually be able to eat most foods without difficulty.
To keep your dentures stable, chew using both sides of your mouth. Also, avoid using your front teeth when biting, as this can cause your dentures to slip on the gums.
Most people are able to resume eating a normal diet about three weeks after putting on their dentures for the first time.
If you have large gaps in your smile or are missing all of your teeth, Dr. Sigmon can outline all of your available prosthetic options, explaining their pros and cons as well as their associated costs.
In addition to traditional dentures, Dr. Sigmon also offers implant-supported dentures, which don’t slip or slide around because they’re held in place by implants. Contact us to schedule an appointment, and find out what prosthetic works best for you.
