Dentures in
Lincoln are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. Although there
is a common misconception that all dentures slip or fall out and or are only
for elderly individuals, this tooth replacement solution has come a long way.
Thanks to advancements in dentistry, these custom-made prosthetics are giving
people a chance to enjoy life with a beautifully restored smile. But having
something foreign in your mouth can take time to get used to, which is why we’ve
compiled 4 tips to adjusting to life with dentures. Read on to learn what you
can do to make this timeframe easier and more manageable.
What to Expect
Patients who need a top or bottom denture, or both, can
expect to go through an adjustment phase. Your mouth was once used to rows of
natural teeth, then it became accustomed to these same rows only with fewer
teeth. Now that you’ve put in a custom prosthetic, your jaw, tongue, cheeks, gums
and other facial and oral structures must get used to this new object.
Ultimately, wearing dentures requires time and patience. In order to prepare yourself
for this adjustment period, here are a few things you can expect:
- You’ll likely have an increase in saliva
production
- There will be very minimal soreness or irritation
- You’ll need to stick to soft foods in the
beginning
- The muscles in your mouth will need to
strengthen before your dentures no longer feel loose
- Your ability to speak clearly may be difficult
at first
4 Tips to Help with the Adjustment Phase
- Talking: To practice, try talking to
yourself in the mirror and pronounce difficult words more slowly. You might
also try reading aloud.
- Eating: When attempting to eat, cut up
your food into small pieces and make sure to chew on both sides of your mouth.
Not only will this help keep your dentures even when you bite down, but it can
help get you back to your normal eating habits much quicker.
- Slippage: If you notice that your
dentures slip at any point, just remember to bite down gently and swallow. This
will encourage the natural suction of your mouth to reposition your dentures
into the right spot.
- See your dentist: Keep your regularly
scheduled dental appointments with your prosthodontist in Lincoln, as they will
want to check your dentures to make sure they are fitting correctly and you’re
experiencing no problems.
In no time at all, your dentures will feel completely normal.
All it takes is following the tips and suggestions provided by your prosthodontist,
who will happily walk you through the process and assist in helping you become
more accustomed to your dentures.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1986, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UNCM College of Dentistry in 1991. She also earned a certificate of specialization in prosthodontics in 1993. Dr. Reed and her team at Smile Specialties enjoy helping all types of patients achieve a fully restored smile. Offering a tried and true solution that replaces missing teeth, many of her patients have found great success with dentures, and Dr. Reed is an expert at helping them move seamlessly through the adjustment phase of treatment. To find out how we can help you, visit our website or call (402) 488-5007.
