Getting dentures to replace missing teeth is an exciting time—you’ll finally have a smile you can be proud of. Dentures can either replace one or several missing teeth or all of your natural teeth and help you smile, chew, and speak with ease.
Whether you are going to starting wearing a partial denture for a few missing teeth or a full set of upper and lower dentures, it’s important to know what to expect. Here’s what you need to know before you start wearing your new dentures.
There Will Be an Adjustment Period
You should expect an adjustment period of a few weeks when you get your new dentures, which can include difficulty eating and speaking at first [1].
The timeline is different for every patient, with some patients feeling comfortable with their dentures after only a couple weeks, while others may feel more confident with their dental restorations at 30 days or six weeks.
You’ll have to learn to chew and speak with dentures in your mouth. At first, dentures may feel unnatural, but they should not be uncomfortable. Give yourself time to adjust to your new smile and take things slowly by eating soft foods until you get the hang of it.
You May Have Sore Areas
If you have never worn dentures before, you may have some sore areas in your mouth as your soft tissues adjust to the new appliance.
Although these areas may feel sore or tender, they should not be painful. If your new dentures are painful to wear or you feel they don’t fit correctly, stop wearing them and follow up with your dentist to have them adjusted.
Your dentures may cause your mouth to feel sore when you first put them in [2]. If the soreness does not subside after a couple weeks or is unusually painful, contact your dentist to let them know what you’re experiencing and schedule an appointment for a checkup.
Expect Increased Saliva Flow
Saliva is an integral part of your oral health, but too much saliva can be frustrating New denture wearers often experience increased saliva flow when they first wear their new appliances [3]. Although increased saliva can make wearing new dentures uncomfortable, don’t worry—your saliva will go back to normal as you adjust to your dentures.
In fact, saliva can help prevent irritation and even infection in the oral cavity from wearing dentures, so your mouth is trying to protect you, even if it ends up being too much of a good thing!
Are You a New Denture Wearer?
If you’re new to wearing full or partial dentures, give yourself a few weeks to adjust to your new smile, and always follow up with your dentist regarding any discomfort or if you feel you have poor-fitting dentures. With the right fit, dentures can be a long-term restoration option for you!
Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dentures
2.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286997123_Diagnosing_denture_pain_Princ
iples_and_practice
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4916795/
