5 Tips for Adjusting to Implant Dentures

Getting used to dentures takes a notoriously long time. After all, they’re quite different from your natural teeth, so speaking and eating with them can be challenging. Luckily, that’s not the case when dentures are supported by dental implants. Even though the adjustment period with implant dentures is shorter than with traditional prosthetics, it can still take a few weeks. Here are five tips that can make adjusting to implant dentures smoother and easier!

1. Stick to Soft Foods at First

One of the main advantages of implant dentures is that they can make chewing just as effortless as it was with your natural teeth. However, it will take some time to reach that point. Your mouth will probably be sore for the first week or two, as well. During this period, you’ll want to primarily eat soft foods that don’t require much chewing. As you grow accustomed to how your new teeth feel, you can gradually integrate heartier foods into your diet.

As a side note, try to avoid excessively sugary foods and beverages. Overconsumption of sugar can increase the risk of gum disease, which is a common cause of early dental implant failure.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated with water can help you maintain a healthy mouth not just initially after getting implant dentures, but long afterward as well. In terms of your oral health, water is arguably the best beverage. It rinses food debris and bacteria off of your teeth and gums, which can greatly reduce your risk of oral infection.

3. Keep Your Mouth Clean

Drinking water is great for keeping your mouth clean, but you’ll also need to follow your dentist’s recommendations for oral hygiene after getting your implant denture. This will vary depending on whether your denture is removable or fixed in place. Although cavities aren’t an issue with dentures, poor oral hygiene may result in gum disease.

4. Practice Speaking

Talking with regular dentures famously comes with a learning curve, but implant dentures are much closer to your natural teeth in this regard. You shouldn’t have to worry about your prosthetic loosening or slipping. Still, you’ll need some practice to feel “normal” when speaking with implant dentures. The more you practice, the faster you’ll adjust, so don’t be afraid to chat – even if no one else is around! In fact, talking to yourself may help you feel less self-conscious.

5. Be Patient

While the adjustment process with implant dentures is relatively short, keep in mind that it won’t occur overnight. Appreciate the fact that you’ve already made it through the majority of the dental implant treatment process, which likely took several months or even a year. Getting used to your implant dentures is simply the last step in that process. Although it may take a couple of weeks, your new smile should last for decades to come.

With these tips, your implant dentures should feel fully natural before you know it! Of course, feel free to reach out to your dentist for any additional questions.

About the Authors

Husband-and-wife team Dr. Gustavo Arrechea and Dr. Aom Arrechea proudly provide high-quality, individualized, and affordable dental care at Daily Smiles Dental. They’ve partnered with a network of dental implant specialists to deliver state-of-the-art implant dentures in Dallas, TX. If you have questions or concerns about adjusting to implant dentures, or if you’re eager to begin the treatment process, you can contact them by calling 214-233-9460.