Skip to main content

Adjusting to Life with Dentures

Adjusting to Life with Dentures

If you’re one of the 120 million Americans with one or more missing teeth, you know how nerve-racking it can be to deal with tooth loss. Not only can missing teeth take a toll on your appearance and your confidence, but the resulting change in your bite balance can wind up increasing your risks of other oral health problems, too. 

Fortunately, dentures provide a time-tested solution for missing teeth, restoring your smile, your oral health, and your confidence, too. 

Better still, today’s dentures are a far cry from the “false teeth” your grandparents had. Today’s dentures are lighter, more comfortable, and more natural-looking, but they can still take some time to get used to. 

At Park Place SmilesMinal Patel, DDS, helps patients in Glendora, California, enjoy all the benefits dentures have to offer. In this post, we review a few simple tips to help you adjust quickly to your new dentures, so you can smile with confidence.

Practice speaking

At first, your dentures are going to feel a little unusual. As with braces or retainers, it takes a little time to get familiar with the way a new device or appliance feels. Until you get used to your dentures, it’s also common to feel like your dentures are obvious to everyone else, especially when you’re speaking. 

The fastest way to adjust to how your dentures feel when you’re talking is to talk at home — ideally in front of a mirror. By practicing speaking — and seeing how your mouth and teeth look — you can quickly become a lot more confident. Not sure what to say? Try reading from a book or newspaper.

Chow down — at home

Dentures are designed to restore your bite balance after tooth loss, but when it comes to those first few meals, they can still take a little getting used to. To feel confident about the way your dentures perform during meals, plan to have a few meals at home before going to a restaurant with friends or family. 

Ideally, you should try to incorporate different types of foods so you can see how your dentures feel with soft, crunchy, or chewy foods. Try a salad, a sandwich, soup — any food you normally have when eating at a restaurant. 

Need additional confidence during the first few weeks of wear? Add a little denture adhesive for extra security when going out to eat.

Wear your dentures as directed

Once you adjust to your dentures, you barely know you’re wearing them. But until then, it can be tempting to take them out, especially while you’re at home. 

It’s important to avoid that temptation, though. You need to wear your dentures as directed to adjust as quickly as possible. Plus, regular wear helps identify potential fit issues that might need a quick adjustment.

Call the office for fit problems

Dentures are meant to fit comfortably and securely. If your dentures slip or if they cause any type of soreness or discomfort, call the office right away so we can adjust them. 

Ignoring problems with the fit can lead to sores and infections. Having regular dental checkups also provides a great opportunity for Dr. Patel to make any necessary adjustments to your dentures.

Most importantly, relax

Because of their lightweight, natural design, today’s dentures are indistinguishable from your own “real” teeth. That means no one is going to know you have a denture unless you tell them. With a little practice with your eating and speaking, you might be surprised how quickly you adjust to your new dentures and how much they improve your quality of life.

Learn more about state-of-the-art dentures

Dentures play an essential role in maintaining your oral health and improving your confidence. To learn more about dentures and how they can help you following tooth loss, call 626-226-1802 or book an appointment online with us at Park Place Smiles today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Little Known Conditions That Are Linked to Oral Health

Little Known Conditions That Are Linked to Oral Health

Most of us link our oral health to problems with our teeth and gums. But the fact is, your oral health can affect other parts of your body, too. Here, learn some of the key ways your oral health could be affecting your overall wellness.
6 Problems a Crown Can Address

6 Problems a Crown Can Address

Dental crowns are durable and beautiful, but it’s their versatility that makes them so popular. Here are six problems our natural-looking dental crowns can correct, typically in just two office visits.
 I'm Really Nervous About Getting a Dental Implant

 I'm Really Nervous About Getting a Dental Implant

Dental implants are extremely popular, but if you’ve never had one before, it’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous. Here, learn what to expect during the implant process, as well as the benefits you’ll enjoy afterward.
When Is It Appropriate to Replace My Old Fillings?

When Is It Appropriate to Replace My Old Fillings?

Fillings help repair and restore teeth damaged by decay and trauma, but as durable as they are, they’re not designed to last until the end of time. If you have old fillings, here’s how to tell when it’s time to replace them with new ones.
What Can I Expect at Routine Oral Exams?

What Can I Expect at Routine Oral Exams?

Routine dental exams are critical when it comes to preventing oral health issues, including decay, tooth loss, and even oral cancer. If you’re not sure what to expect during your exam, here’s what you need to know.