Practice makes perfect, as they say, and nothing is truer than when it comes to your new dentures. Though the process for getting dentures isn’t a difficult one, like many new experiences it can come with a learning curve. Here are some practical tips for adjusting to your prosthetics during the first 30 days, so you can enjoy all the amazing benefits of your restored smile for years to come!
The First 24 Hours
Heading home from your dentist’s office with your new dentures may feel a bit weird. You may even want to take them out as soon as you can, but it’s very important you wear them continuously for the first 24 hours. This helps not only you get used to wearing them but also enables them to better conform to the shape of your mouth.
It is also important to stick to a soft diet when you first get your new dentures, so you can gradually and comfortably learn to chew with them in. This can take up to a month to master, so be patient and don’t get frustrated. Some foods to try with your new smile include scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce and oatmeal.
The First 2 Weeks
During the first two weeks with your new prosthetics, you should still be eating a soft diet. As you master chewing tougher textures, you can increase the firmness of your food incrementally.
Speaking with dentures is another common challenge many patients face, however, the more you get used to talking with them in, the easier it will get. To do this, be sure to speak as often as you can. Try narrating your day, having conversations with people in your household, or counting from 60 to 90 to help master the pronunciation of more complicated sounds.
After the first 24 hours, you should have also begun removing them to clean them after each meal. They should also be taken out nightly when you go to bed, and after being cleaned, left soaking in a glass of water or denture soak until you are ready to wear them again.
The Second 2 Weeks
For the second two-week period of wearing your new dentures, you should continue to eat a softer diet and practice speaking with them in. If you notice the formation of any sores, or if they are still uncomfortable, speak to your dentist about adjustments. While these initial struggles are quite normal, they should begin to improve after the first two weeks of continuous use.
The First 30 Days
By the end of the first 30 days, your new prosthetics should be much more comfortable to wear and easier to use; however, it is still possible for their fit to change as your gum tissue adapts to wearing them. If you are experiencing any discomfort, speak to your dentist about adjusting them.
Remember, it’s perfectly normal to need some time to adjust to wearing your new dentures, so don’t worry if you don’t master it immediately. Consider the first 30 days an important adjustment period, and after a month of continuous use, your restored smile should look and feel like second nature!
About Dr. Glen
Dr. Glen Shanock is a skilled and compassionate pediatric dentist who has been providing high quality oral health care for over 25 years. Along with Dr. Tong and Dr. Sarit, Dr. Glen is proud to care for smiles of all ages, even those needing life-changing restorations like dentures.
If you’re missing multiple teeth and are ready to start smiling again, schedule a consultation with Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth today by visiting our website or calling 516-517-0331.