Adjusting to Dentures: The First 30 Days

If you’re thinking about dentures as an option to replace a few teeth or even an entire arch, our Hudsonville dentists want to congratulate you on taking the next step!

Both partial and full dentures are effective ways to restore the look and function of a natural smile. However, there is an adjustment period in which you’ll need to spend some time getting used to the feeling of having them in your mouth.

Here are a few things to keep in mind for the first 30 days with new dentures.

How Dentures Can Benefit You

When you choose removable dentures, there are several notable advantages. Firstly, they significantly improve your ability to chew, allowing for a more varied diet and better nutrition. Say goodbye to only chewing on one side of your mouth or being relegated to the softest foods.

Secondly, dentures help in speech clarity, especially if the missing teeth previously affected your pronunciation. Aesthetically, they fill out the facial profile and restore a natural-looking smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Dentures are also a less intensive solution compared to other restorations that involve oral surgery such as dental implants, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Here’s How You Can Adjust:

In the First 24 Hours

Like the name suggests, immediate dentures can be worn immediately after tooth removal. If we need to extract teeth, our local denture dentists may prescribe you pain relievers and antibiotics to take as directed while the site heals. It’s important that you don’t remove your dentures during the first 24 hours so the gums have a chance to heal. Your complete dentures act much like a bandaid during your first day, which is why you’ll even need to wear your dentures to bed.

After 24 hours have elapsed, we highly recommend removing your dentures before going to sleep. That way, your gums have a chance to rest and stay healthy. Your gums were never designed to be covered by dentures 24/7, which is why you need to give them breaks. Since the extraction sites will be sore, we recommend eating soft foods like mashed potatoes or yogurt.

In the First 2 Weeks

Once 24 hours have passed since tooth extraction, you’ll need to return to our office so our dentists can remove your dentures. It’s normal to develop sore spots during the first few days of wearing dentures. You may also have more saliva.

Gum tissue contracts as it heals. For this reason, you may need to visit our office several times so your full or partial dentures fit comfortably. If you experience dental discomfort or pain while eating, we recommend supplementing meals with Ensure or another protein-rich drink.

In the First 30 Days

It takes time for your gums, cheeks, and tongue to adjust to wearing an oral appliance. However, after a couple of weeks have passed, you’ll notice fewer sore spots in your mouth and less saliva. Don’t hesitate to call our office if you need a denture adjustment. We’d be more than happy to set up a time for you to meet with one of our dentists.

It’ll take some time for you to get used to eating and talking with dentures. Try cutting food into smaller pieces while you’re still adjusting as it puts less pressure on the dentures and reduces the risk of discomfort. Notice a lisp when you talk? We recommend reading aloud from your favorite book and keeping a running list of words that give you difficulty. The more you speak with your dentures, the easier it’ll become over time.

You can also try these helpful facial exercises:

• Smiling really wide for at least 10 seconds several times a day.
• Open your mouth slightly but keep your upper lip relaxed. Wrinkle your nose and flare your nostrils in an exaggerated motion. Finally, pull your top lip up and hold this for 10 seconds. Release and repeat a few more times.
• Practice other expressions in the mirror (silly, angry, etc.) to normalize your new appearance and give the muscles in your face extra to work on.

Caring for Your Dentures

Take care of your dentures like you would natural teeth. For example, you’ll need to brush your dentures twice a day to remove plaque and prevent bad odor. Submerge your full or partial dentures in water or denture cleanser when you’re not wearing them so they don’t crack or dry out. Our dentists also recommend using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for dentures.

Avoid using regular toothpaste, especially those that are for whitening or contain abrasive ingredients as those can damage the surface of the denture. We also encourage you to come into our Hudsonville, MI, dental office for regular check-ups and professional teeth cleanings with our dentists so we can check the fit of your dentures and address any issues promptly.

Ask About Dentures for Yourself

Hudsonville Dental is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy smile with the help of full or partial dentures. To schedule an appointment with one of our denture dentists in Hudsonville, MI, call (616) 209-4024.

This blog post has been updated.