How to Adjust to New Dentures

When you make any changes to your smile it can take time to get used to the difference, this goes for dentures as well. Our Delta dentists offer some tips for adjusting to your new dentures and some of the changes you will need to make.

How tough is it to adjust to new dentures?

If you have had missing teeth then you know how much it can affect your self-confidence. When you get dentures as a form of tooth replacement you will be restoring that smile that means so much to you. Your new dentures will also protect your oral health by supporting the facial muscles and structure and reducing bone loss. 

Dentures offer a simple long-term option for replacing missing teeth but they will have an adjustment period. If you have new dentures, it can take up to 8 weeks to fully get used to how they feel.

Be patient with your mouth as it gets used to these significant changes and you adapt to having dentures where your natural teeth once were. Understanding what you can expect can help make the transition smoother. 

What are some difficulties that can be faced with new dentures?

Some of the issues that you may face when you have new dentures can include the following: 

• Gums may loosen or shrink
• Sore spots and bone chips may develop 
• Smile seems unnatural 
• Problems eating or speaking while wearing dentures 
• Higher production of saliva 
• Impact on chewing 

Luckily, these concerns will pass with time. Just continue to focus on good oral hygiene and practice using your new dentures.

How To Adjust to Your New Dentures 

The first few weeks with new dentures will be the most awkward while you adjust to your new teeth. While you are adjusting to your new dentures you may find the most noticeable areas of change will be with speaking and eating. Here, our Delta dentists offer some tips to help you adjust quickly.

Will you need to change what you eat?

When you first begin the recovery process after getting new dentures, you will need to focus on eating soft and easy-to-eat foods. You may want to plan ahead and prepare foods that will be ready when you're hungry. Try to choose foods that won't require much chewing, as these will be best for minimizing pain or discomfort. 

You might also consider using a food processor, blender or juicer to eat some of your favourite foods during this time. 

Here are some of the foods that may be easy to eat during the first couple of weeks while you get used to your new dentures.

Will you need to practice talking with dentures?

Speaking will be different as your mouth has now changed, so the first few weeks will be learning how to speak with these differences. One of the easiest ways to adjust may be to speak to yourself while you are home alone and then begin to speak out in public once you are more comfortable.

It might help to speak slower than usual, which can reduce clicking noises and assist with controlling movement that may occur if your dentures shift as you talk. You may find that applying denture adhesive helps to keep your dentures in place. Ask your dentist in Delta if this solution is right for you. 

You might find it helpful to read aloud while you practice, especially during the first few days when you may feel self-conscious speaking around other people. This allows you to adapt and relearn to repeat complex sounds — minus the prospect of an audience. The more opportunities you take to practice, the easier and more natural speaking will become, quickly helping you to feel confident with your new dentures.