Dentures are a quick and affordable way to recover from tooth loss, restoring the self-confidence that goes along with a full, healthy-looking smile. Advances in modern dental technology have made blocky, unnatural dentures a thing of the past. In fact, over 40 million Americans choose dentures to replace missing teeth.
Today’s dentures look identical to a set of natural teeth, and fit comfortably in your mouth so you can eat and speak with ease. If this is your first time with dentures, however, it may take some time to adjust to wearing them.
At Gables Sedation Dentistry in Miami, Florida, our denture specialists offer a range of options for patients who want to replace a full arch of teeth, or just a few with a partial plate. Try these hacks to make your dentures more comfortable.
Don’t rush the process
It’s normal for new dentures to feel slightly uncomfortable at first. While some patients adapt to them within a few days, others may take a month or more to feel completely natural when eating or speaking.
After you receive your new dentures, we’ll show you how to put them in and take them out properly. If there are any issues with the fit at this initial stage, let us know so we can make the necessary adjustments.
Practice makes perfect
As you transition into life with dentures, normal activities like eating and speaking will feel different than before. Your tongue and mouth muscles may need to reroute themselves to produce the correct sounds.
Practicing your speech while wearing dentures can help your body adjust more quickly. Simply talking to yourself, reading aloud, or singing along to your favorite songs allows you to get used to new mouth movements.
Use a quality denture adhesive
Denture adhesive reduces any shifting or movement that might occur while speaking or eating. It’s applied to the inner surface of the denture where it makes contact with your gum tissue, keeping the appliance firmly in place.
Modern dentures generally sit snugly against your gums without adhesive. However, you may enjoy the additional peace of mind that adhesive provides during your first days and weeks with dentures.
Caring for your dentures
Extend the life of your dentures with proper care. Dropping your dentures can result in breakage, so handle them carefully while cleaning and soaking.
Take dentures out nightly to clean them with a soft brush and denture cleaner — not toothpaste. Toothpaste is abrasive and can damage your dentures over time.
Keep your dentures moist overnight to prevent them from drying out or warping, which can change how they fit. Immerse them in cool water or with a recommended soaking solution as you sleep.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can lead to sores and infections as bacteria build up in your mouth. Tissue and bone loss can result from oral infections and changes here affect the fit of your dentures.
Brush your gums, palate, and tongue daily to wash away bacteria and boost circulation. A salt water rinse can also soothe gums too. Schedule regular dental checkups to maintain a healthy smile, with or without dentures.
Find out more about dentures in consultation with the expert team at Gables Sedation Dentistry. Call or click to make an appointment today.
