If you invested in your first set of dentures, you’ve made a wise decision for your dental health and quality of life. New advancements in materials, technologies, and techniques allow them to look and feel more realistic than ever before. However, it can take time to adjust to your new set of chompers. Here’s what you can expect during your first month with dentures.
First 24 Hours
Nothing is more exciting than receiving your new teeth. As soon as you put them in your mouth, you will have higher self-esteem because you won’t have any anxiety about missing teeth. Although you’re excited to show off your new pearly whites, your dentist will recommend focusing on adjusting to them first by following a few tips:
- Tooth Extraction Care: It’s not unusual to require tooth extractions before getting dentures. Your dentist will explain how to care for the extraction sites, like keeping them clean.
- Don’t Remove Your Dentures: You’ll be instructed to wear your dentures for 24 hours after getting them. They will act as band-aids to protect extraction sites after having teeth removed.
- Eat Soft Foods: Sat soft foods for at least the first day.
First 2 Weeks
Your jaw muscles and cheeks may feel a little sore as they adjust to holding your dentures in your mouth. Slight gum irritation can also occur. You can minimize any complications by:
- Keeping Your Mouth Clean: Clean your dentures daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush your gums, inside of your cheeks, and tongue to remove harmful oral bacteria. Soak your denture in an overnight solution to kill any bacteria your toothbrush can’t reach. It will also prolong the lifespan of your denture and give your mouth a break to keep your gums healthy.
- Maintaining Follow-Up Appointments: Your dentist may recommend follow-up appointments for several weeks to monitor the healing of your extraction sites and any signs of irritation.
- Sticking to Soft Foods: Eat soft foods that are cut into small pieces to make them easier to chew. Chew slowly and thoroughly. After you get used to eating with your dentures, you can reintroduce your normal diet.
After 2 Weeks
After about 2 weeks, your mouth will be healed and your transition period is almost over. You can shorten the adjustment time by:
- Eating Slowly: Don’t rush when eating. Large pieces of food are difficult to swallow and digest. Not to mention, they can dislodge your dentures.
- Practicing Speaking: Your words may sound a little slurred when first getting in your dentures. As they say, practice makes perfect. Singing or reading out loud are great ways to adjust to speaking with dentures.
It might take a few days to get used to your new dentures, but in no time at all, you may soon forget they aren’t your real teeth.
About Dr. Bryan Villescas
Dr. Villescas earned his dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued his education in many advanced services, like dentures, dental implants, and oral surgery. He can treat the most complex oral health issues. Request an appointment through our website or call (941) 229-8181.