Dentures are an incredibly lifelike and remarkably comfortable way to replace lost teeth, but it typically takes patients some time to adjust to wearing them. Fortunately, following your dentist’s instructions and sticking to a few smart habits can make this acclimation period briefer and more comfortable. Here’s a brief guide to your first month with braces, including what you can expect and a few tips for keeping your mouth healthy and comfortable.
The First Few Days
It’s generally recommended that patients wear their dentures for a full twenty-four hours immediately after receiving them. After your appliance is taken out for the first time the next day, it’s important to remove and soak your dentures for at least eight hours daily. This break from wearing your appliance gives your mouth time to rest and clean itself, and soaking your dentures during this time will prevent them from drying out and warping.
During your first few days wearing dentures, you may notice a few sore spots on your gums or that your mouth is producing more saliva than usual. While you may experience mild discomfort, this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Since gum tissue contracts as it heals, you may need to come back to your dentist’s office to have your dentures adjusted for a better fit. If eating is uncomfortable at this time, it might be a great idea to supplement your meals with a protein-rich beverage.
You May Develop a Lisp
The teeth play an essential role in how we form the sounds that make up language, and the loss of one or many can affect the way a person pronounces words. Dentures function just like real teeth during speech, and you will eventually be able to speak normally and comfortably with them. However, you may find that you speak with a lisp when you first start wearing your appliance. This problem will fade as you get more practice speaking with dentures and eventually disappear, but you can help it go away faster by reading a favorite book out loud and repeating any difficult words.
After the First Month
Your dentures should feel incredibly comfortable after your first month of wearing them. However, it is still important to give them proper care and maintenance to prevent them from warping so they lose their fit as well as accumulations of bacteria that can cause infection. It’s equally important to keep up with regular dental appointments so your dentist can monitor your oral health, address any issues while they are still minor, and recommend better oral hygiene methods. If you notice any changes in your dentures or the way they fit, explain them to your dentist during your appointment.
Dentures can be a fantastic way to replace lost teeth at any age. With excellent care, these appliances can last seven to ten years before needing replacement.
About the Author
Dr. Nancy Cabansag earned her dental degree at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California and has refined her skills since then through continuing education courses. She is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Her office in Arlington offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To schedule your consultation for dentures, contact her office online or dial (817) 508-9881.