Congratulations on your beautiful new dentures! Now that you’ve replaced your damaged or missing teeth, you can showcase your smile again with confidence and eat a variety of nutritious foods you may have had to avoid in the past. But wearing new dentures still may take a little getting used to. In fact, it takes most people about one month to truly become acclimated to their new pair. Whether you’re a first-time wearer or this is a replacement set, here’s what you can expect when you’re adjusting to your new prosthetics!
Discomfort is Normal
As your gums and soft tissues get adjusted to coming in contact with your new dentures, it’s normal to experience a little discomfort. Thankfully, this is temporary, and hopefully will stop within a few weeks. In the meantime, you may require a few trips to the dentist for adjustments, but don’t stop wearing them. The key to easing this transition is to keep them on as prescribed.
Stick to Soft Foods
In the first few weeks of wearing your new dentures, be sure to stick to soft foods. Not only will this help prevent any unnecessary discomfort, but it will also help you simply get used to chewing with them. Recommended foods include mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and applesauce. You may also want to dine at home for the initial adjustment period so you can master eating with them without embarrassment. They will get easier to use, however it’s not uncommon to struggle a bit to get the hang of it in the beginning.
Take Small Bites
Ever heard the phrase “don’t bite off more than you can chew”? Well, this applies to your new dentures, too! Start out with small bites so that you can chew them with your back teeth. This will initially help you master not only chewing with dentures, but also with not dislodging them from your mouth every time you eat. Once you have figured out how to use the back teeth properly, you can begin to take larger bites and distribute your chewing more evenly.
Note that with dentures, it can be difficult to bite with the front teeth even for longtime wearers, so it is best to avoid doing this at any stage of use. This will help not only keep your dentures in place while you eat, but also prevent any breaks to your crowns in the process.
Remember, like any new purchase, your dentures come with an adjustment period. If you don’t master their use immediately, be kind to yourself. Try these tips to help ease this time of transition, and soon you’ll be using your new prosthetics like a pro!
About Our Practice
At Shinkawa Dental, our family wants to help your family achieve their best oral health ever! With over 50 years of combined experience, we are proud to serve generations of patients right here in our Fresno community. Whether you’re looking for a routine exam and cleaning, a smile makeover, or a new pair of dentures, we’re here for you!
To schedule an appointment for dentures, please visit our website or call us today at 559-226-5656.