Skip to main content

Adjusting to Life with Dentures

Dentures are a necessary fact of life for some people. They can help you have a more normal-looking smile, but they can require some adjustment. It’s worth the adjustment because dentures are an important way to restore your smile if you have missing teeth.

You should expect your dentures to be comfortable to wear, especially after the initial adjustment period. Fortunately, Dr. Saeghi offers a variety of options for dentures and is committed to helping you find the right solution. Here are some of the most common early difficulties with wearing dentures and how to deal with them.

Loose or shifting teeth

One of the most common problems with new dentures is feeling like they’re shifting around in your mouth. After an adjustment period to get used to them, they should feel like they fit well.

If your dentures don’t feel like they fit well within your mouth, talk to Dr. Saeghi. Your gums and teeth naturally shift a bit over time, which means your dentures may need to be adjusted. If you had teeth removed to make room for dentures, your dentures may not fit well once your gums heal.

Challenges with talking

Many people with new dentures are concerned about how they may affect their speech. One of the biggest concerns is that your dentures may make a “clicking” sound when you talk. The best solution for clicking sounds when wearing dentures is to speak more slowly.

If you have problems making specific sounds, practice saying those sounds as much as possible. When it comes to adjusting to life with dentures, the best advice is to practice, practice, practice.

Problems with eating

Your teeth and jaw play significant roles in eating. As you get used to your new teeth, your cheek muscles need to get used to holding your dentures in place. This can initially make it more challenging to eat as you learn to retrain these muscles.

In the beginning, it’s most important to eat soft foods like eggs and yogurt. Avoid sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. Eventually, you will be able to resume your normal diet.

Mouth pain

Some people experience mouth pain as they’re adjusting to new dentures. You might think the solution is to wear them for a shorter or longer duration than Dr. Saeghi advises. But it’s important to follow his instructions for how long to wear your dentures each day to help you get used to them.

Wearing dentures for longer than recommended in the beginning can cause more mouth pain. If you wear them for too long in the breaking-in period, you can develop sore spots that can turn into infections. 

It’s important to clean both your mouth and your dentures every day. When you don’t clean your mouth or your dentures properly, you can introduce bacteria or yeast overgrowth that can lead to infection.

Always stay in contact with Dr. Saeghi’s office if you have any questions after getting new dentures. Adjustments are sometimes necessary. Consider asking Dr. Saeghi about alternatives to traditional dentures as well, including same-day dentures and dental implants. Call Modern Age Dentistry today or book an appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth: What to Expect

Have you indulged in black coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, berries, and other foods and drinks that stain your teeth? Professional whitening treatment does wonders, but you might worry that your tooth sensitivity precludes treatment. Learn more here.
When to Have Your Dental Crown Replaced

When to Have Your Dental Crown Replaced

Dental crowns serve a multitude of purposes, from beautifying your smile to working in tandem with other restorative techniques. Learn about the advantages of crowns and if, why, and when they might need to be replaced.
4 Popular Treatments for a Smile You’ll Love

4 Popular Treatments for a Smile You’ll Love

If things like stains, chips, and gaps make you self-conscious to show your teeth, you’ve got options that can restore your smile’s beauty and make it dazzling again. Learn about popular cosmetic treatments and their benefits here.
How to Adjust to InvisalignⓇ With Ease

How to Adjust to InvisalignⓇ With Ease

InvisalignⓇ corrects your smile with clear plastic aligners that are subtle and comfortable — a far cry from the hassle of braces. Learn more about Invisalign and how to make the transition seamless when you start wearing them.

5 Dental Emergencies and How They’re Treated

Dental emergencies are scary and require immediate attention. Learn about five common urgent dental conditions and how your dentist addresses each one, here. Hopefully you’ll never need emergency dental care, but if you do, you’ll be prepared.