Adjusting to new dentures takes time. While they won’t immediately feel like your natural teeth, it’s important to remember that they will help restore your smile’s function and appearance. Dentures provide patients with a brand-new smile that looks and functions like real teeth, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

To get the most out of your dentures, our dentist recommends these seven tips and tricks:

1.    Expect to need adjustments

To achieve maximum fit and comfort, some patients require a few modifications within the first few weeks of having their dentures. The soft tissues of the mouth will need some time to get used to the dentures, but your dentist can help make that process as smooth as possible.

Patients with missing teeth often experience jawbone atrophy, or the shrinking of the jawbone, which can cause changes in how dentures fit. Because of this, denture-wearers usually need further modifications every couple of years.

2.    Make dietary changes

Unfortunately, dentures aren’t as strong or durable as natural teeth. Therefore, patients must be willing to make dietary changes that their new teeth can handle while still getting all the nutrients they need.

Denture-wearers should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods like nuts, caramel, ice, popcorn, peanut butter, raw apples, and raw carrots. Thankfully, there are so many ways to eat (and even drink) fruits and vegetables, so patients don’t have to miss out on important nutrients.

Instead, people who wear dentures should stick to a diet of soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, cooked vegetables, smoothies, eggs, fish, and potatoes. Just be sure to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet so other parts of your health don’t suffer, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

3.    Practice talking in the mirror

This may sound silly but talking with dentures is a struggle for many patients. Thankfully, there is an easy fix—just talk more. This may mean talking to yourself in the mirror so you can watch how your mouth is moving to make certain sounds. The more you talk, the more natural it will feel. Reading out loud is another way to help your tongue and soft tissues adjust faster.

4.    Remove the dentures at night

After wearing dentures all day, your gum tissue will need a break. Be sure to remove the dentures at night and soak them in a safe, effective cleaning solution. During those eight(ish) hours of sleep, your gums will heal from any soreness and irritation. You and your mouth will be much happier!

5.    Visit the dentist regularly

One of the best things a person can do for their smile, dentures or not, is to visit the dentist regularly. However, for denture-wearers, regular dental visits are even more important. During these appointments, the dentist ensures patients’ gums and bones are responding well to the dentures. The dentist also tracks the patient’s oral health and physical changes. This way, the dentist can make adjustments to the prosthetic before it becomes too uncomfortable and lasts longer.

Dentures in Grant Park

At Smiles for Grant Park, Dr. Abbey J. Lee uses the latest technology to create comfortable, realistic-looking dentures. Dr. Lee also offers implant-supported restorations for patients who desire longer-lasting, more permanent results. To schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Lee, contact our friendly dental team today at (404) 328-7177.