Dentures can help with everyday tasks like eating and speaking, if you have missing teeth. But they can also restore your smile and your confidence! That said, new dentures do take some getting used to. So, here's a few tips to help you adjust to your new teeth.
How They’ll Feel
Your new dentures will probably feel a bit awkward for a few weeks after you first get them. In fact, until the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to keep your dentures in place they will likely feel a bit loose.
You might even experience some minor irritation or soreness, and a temporary increase in saliva flow. But don't let it get you down! These issues will gradually disappear as you become accustomed to your dentures, it's just going to take a little patience and a little practice.
Tips For Speaking & Eating with Your Dentures In
Talking will require a bit of practice now that you have new teeth. To practice speaking try reading out loud to yourself . Be sure to repeat words that you have particular difficulty saying. If find that your dentures "click" while you're speaking, talk more slowly.
You may notice your dentures occasionally slip when when you laugh, cough or smile. To reposition your dentures if this happens just bite down gently and swallow.
Of course, eating will also require some practice. Be sure to start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Try to be mindful and chew slowly and carefully. Use both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent your dentures from tipping. When you’ve mastered soft foods, slowly add other foods until you return to your regular diet.
Make sure you take extra care when eating particularly hot or hard foods, or any foods that have sharp-edged bones or shells.
With a little patience you will adjust to your dentures before you know it, and talking and eating will feel normal again.