Getting dentures can be a big change and can take a while to get used too. Initially, dentures can be uncomfortable and can make day to day tasks harder and lengthy. Here are some of our top tips for getting used to wearing dentures.
1. Change your eating habits
One of the first challenges you will face when wearing new dentures is eating. Learning how to eat with dentures can take some getting used too, but there are several changes you can make to your eating habits to make this process easier, such as:
- Eating soft foods
- Eating smaller pieces of food
- Sucking sweets
Chewing or biting can result in the dentures moving out of position, and food can sometimes get stuck under them causing discomfort. This is completely normal while you adapt to your new dentures, just make sure you move your dentures back into place and look after your oral hygiene.
2. Set realistic expectations
While dentures are built to replicate your natural teeth as closely as possible, one of the keys to getting used to wearing them is to set yourself realistic expectations about what you can do with them.
Dentures will help you chew food much better than you’d be able to with missing teeth, however you may struggle with particularly hard or sticky foods (e.g. chewy sweets and tough meat).
Dentures will also help you fill gaps in your smile to make you feel more confident – but depending on the type of dentures you have, clasps and plates may still be visible from certain angles.
3. Practice speaking
At first, you may find it difficult to speak with your new dentures as it can take time for your body to learn how to move your tongue around the dentures to form the correct sounds. However, it becomes much easier the more your practice.
Some top tips for speaking with new dentures include:
- Get your tongue used to the shape and position of your dentures
- Practise speaking in a mirror so you can see the shapes your mouth needs to make to achieve the right sounds
- Talk to yourself to get used to speaking with dentures
4. Exercise your facial muscles
Facial muscles help you complete thousands of tiny movements everyday – particularly around your mouth to help you speak, chew and swallow food. Exercising these facial muscles can help them get used to moving with your dentures and can speed up how quickly you feel confident and comfortable wearing them.
Ask your dentist or clinical dental technician for some recommended facial exercises to support your denture type and position.
5. Consider denture adhesives
While many modern dentures do not require an adhesive, you may feel more comfortable (particularly in those first few weeks of wearing new dentures) with an additional method of securing dentures to your mouth.
This can help to reduce movement and displacement when you’re eating and speaking. As with any oral solution, there are several brands and adhesive types to choose from. You may need to try a few adhesives before you find one that is right for you. If you’re considering using an adhesive with your dentures, speak to our team who will be happy to provide advice and recommendations.
6. Look after your oral hygiene
Sores and infections can develop in your mouth as a result of built-up bacteria and poor oral hygiene. You will find it easier to adapt to your dentures if you regularly clean your mouth and attend regular dental check-ups to address any issues.
7. Clean your dentures
Just like the rest of your mouth, bacteria can build up on your dentures which can lead to oral diseases and infections. By cleaning your dentures properly, you can remove this bacteria and prevent this from developing.
This will help you reduce the risk sores and infections that could prolong your denture adjustment period.
8. Be patient
It will take time to get comfortable with your new dentures. Dentures may feel unusual when eating or speaking for a short time while you get used to wearing them. New dentures may also feel uncomfortable during this period which should usually last no more than a month.
It’s important to be patient during this time and give your mouth time to adjust to your dentures.
9. Ask for support
Our Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) is here to help you with any query or concern that you have about your dentures. It is perfectly normal to have questions or worries about wearing new dentures so make sure you ask for support when you need it!
It’s perfectly normal for your new dentures to feel strange while you adjust to wearing them. If your new dentures are hurting or you’re thinking of getting new dentures, feel free to book a free denture consultation with us.