5 Tips for Getting Used to Dentures

We understand that transitioning from natural teeth to dentures can be difficult. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you will get used to eating, speaking, and living with dentures over time. Patience is key.

Let’s take a look at some things you can do to get used to wearing your dentures more quickly.

1. Read Out Loud

It’s perfectly normal for you to lisp some of your words after being fitted for dentures. Your tongue, cheeks, and gums will have to adjust to speaking around your new oral appliance.

To help you get back to speaking normally, we recommend reading out loud or practicing certain words that slip you up. Whenever you come across a new word you have difficulty pronouncing, write it down on a list to practice later. After practicing, you’ll feel more confident when speaking with family members, friends, or coworkers.

2. Be Prepared for Some Slippage

Your tooth restoration dentist will ensure your dentures fit properly before you leave the office. However, it’s not unusual for even well-fitting dentures to slip from time to time. Denture slippage usually happens when you make an abrupt movement, such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, or even smiling.

To correct slippage discreetly, we recommend gently biting down and swallowing. This will slightly adjust your dentures for a more comfortable fit while being unnoticeable to others.

3. Eat Carefully

When you start wearing new dentures, you’ll want to start off by eating soft foods or foods cut into small, bite-sized pieces. For example, many patients choose to eat mashed potatoes after being fitted for dentures.

As you get used to eating with dentures, you may start to gradually include tougher or chewier foods. Remember that wearing dentures takes some getting used to, so you’ll want to ease your way into eating your normal diet.

4. Soak Dentures When Not in Use

Natural teeth stay healthy because they are constantly bathed in saliva. However, the same can’t always be said of your dentures.

To prevent your dentures from drying out and fracturing, you’ll need to keep them wet at all times. This means keeping them in a glass of water or denture cleaner when they aren’t in use.

5. Use a Denture Adhesive

If you want to go back to eating your favorite foods, we recommend using denture adhesives to hold your dentures in place. That way, you’ll be able to feel confident while eating or talking.

Denture adhesives are sold in most grocery stores and come in either a cream or a strip. A restoration dentist may be able to recommend a denture adhesive brand if you are unsure what to get. If you have several missing teeth, dentures can be a great way to restore your quality of life so you can eat and speak with confidence.

Restore Your Smile with Dentures

Our Naples, FL, dentures dentist offers dentures to help patients restore their smiles. Call The Modern Dentist today at (239) 591-3330, or contact us online to request an appointment.

This blog post has been updated.

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