You have made the decision to restore your smile with dentures. This choice can bring you renewed confidence, improved chewing ability, and a boost in your overall quality of life! As you embark on this journey, you may be curious about what you might experience when you first get your prosthetic. What will your first month with dentures be like? This blog post walks you through what you can expect.
Discomfort and Adaptation
When you first place your dentures in your mouth, you may notice some discomfort. After all, dentures are a foreign object in your mouth, so your oral tissues will need time to adjust. Some soreness or mild irritation is common. You might also notice that your facial muscles work differently while speaking or eating, and you could experience an increase in saliva production. These changes mark the beginning of the adaptation process, and most individuals find that the discomfort lessens with regular wear.
Changes in Speech
Speaking with dentures might present some difficulty at first. Many people find that their speech sounds different, or they develop a slight lisp. Your tongue must learn how to move around the new teeth, which can take time and patience. Speaking slowly and focusing on your pronunciation will help you adjust. You may wish to read books out loud or engage in conversations with friends and family to get used to how your prosthetic feels in your mouth when you talk. With consistent practice, your speech should become clearer and more natural than it was before you received your dentures.
Adapting Your Diet
Eating with dentures requires you to rethink your approach to meals. During the early days, you should choose foods that are soft and easy to chew. Scrambled eggs, meatloaf, yogurt, and soft breads are good options. Avoid biting into foods with your front teeth and distribute food evenly on both sides of your mouth. This strategy helps you protect your gums and keeps your dentures in place, making eating a more pleasant experience. As you gain confidence, you can introduce firmer foods back into your diet.
The Importance of Professional Support
Your dentist is ready to help you adapt to your dentures! If your dentures do not fit well or you feel discomfort that does not improve, you should contact your dental team promptly. They can offer adjustments, advice, and solutions to help you feel more comfortable and confident.
Embracing Your New Smile
Learning to live with dentures requires patience and commitment. The first month might come with a few challenges! However, as you consistently wear your prosthetic, you should soon find that it starts to feel natural and comfortable in your mouth.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, our team is proud to provide a wide range of services for our community, including dentures, denture maintenance, and more. If you have questions about what to expect with this form of tooth replacement, we would be pleased to speak with you during a personal consultation. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our Branford location at 203-439-6895.