You’re ready to get dentures and excited about transforming your smile. You won’t need to wait at Northwest Dental Services & Denture Implant Center because our experts produce same-day dentures in our on-site lab.
However, you need to prepare for an adjustment period. Your gums need time to toughen up, and you must get used to eating and talking with dentures.
We explain what to expect and fully support your transition to dentures. Here, we give you a head start with four steps to make it easier.
New dentures cause temporary discomfort for everyone. Dentures fit snugly over your gums, commonly causing irritation and sore spots. The discomfort lessens as your gums get used to the prosthetic.
Gum soreness doesn’t reflect how well dentures fit. Even with a perfect fit, your gums need time to toughen up. However, loose or tight dentures will cause more irritation.
You can ease sore gums by rinsing with warm salt water. However, if the discomfort is intolerable or doesn’t improve, call the office, and we’ll help.
Following a soft diet for the first few days (or longer if needed) serves two purposes. Eating soft foods ensures you don’t place excessive pressure on your sore gums from chewing. Limiting the pressure helps your gums adjust to new dentures.
A soft diet also helps you adjust to eating with new dentures. Though you’ll be thrilled with your beautiful smile, your dentures will feel bulky and awkward when you start wearing them.
You need time to get used to how they feel and learn how to bite and chew with dentures. This transition is easier when you limit your diet to soft foods, such as:
A soft diet may seem bland or unappetizing, but it’s only for a short time.
When your gums feel better, and you’re more accustomed to eating with dentures, you can gradually return to your usual diet.
Start by adding regular foods that are soft choices. For example, eat cooked instead of fresh vegetables. Choose fish or meatloaf instead of chicken breast or steak.
It also helps to chew slowly at first and on both sides of your mouth. Chewing on both sides keeps the pressure even and helps stabilize the dentures.
Be careful with hot foods and beverages. Dentures have a slight insulating effect. You may bite into food and not realize it’s too hot until it touches your tongue or gums.
Over several weeks, you get accustomed to your dentures and feel confident about eating.
Dentures may temporarily affect the way you speak. Some words or sounds may be more challenging to pronounce, or you may have a temporary lisp.
The best way to overcome this challenge is to speak slowly initially and, most importantly, practice. Try reading books out loud and frequently repeating difficult words and sounds. With regular practice, these issues will disappear over a few weeks.
In the weeks and months after getting dentures, the shape of your gums may change, affecting how well they fit. Dentures may loosen or slip, or you may have persistent gum sores that don’t improve.
Connect with us if you encounter problems while adjusting to dentures. We recommend self-care steps and refit your dentures if needed.
Call Northwest Dental Services & Denture Implant Center in Tacoma or Lakewood, Washington, right away if you have any questions or concerns about dentures.
