Getting a new denture is an incredibly exciting time, because it takes your smile from less-than-functional and incomplete to whole and capable! However, it’s important that you have realistic expectations of the adjustment period when you first get your prosthetic, or else you may find yourself quickly dismayed by your investment in your smile. Read on to learn what you can expect during your first month with your new denture.
The First Day
The first day with your full or partial denture is unique because you’ll need to keep it in your mouth for a full 24 hours. This will give your gums a chance to get used to the prosthetic, and if you’ve had a tooth extraction, a specialized denture can aid with healing. You’ll likely need to also maintain a soft or liquid diet during this time period as you heal and get used to the way they feel in your mouth.
The First Two Weeks
After the first 24 hours are over, you’ll need to remove your denture every night before going to bed and store it in a room temperature glass of water. You may develop some inflamed or sore areas of your mouth during the first several days of using your denture, but this discomfort can be eased with over-the-counter medications. Another effect of your denture that you may notice is increased saliva production. Don’t worry! This will decrease with time as your body begins to recognize that your denture isn’t a foreign object, but something that is becoming a naturally integrated part of your smile.
Weeks Three & Four
As the other effects of your new denture begin to fade into the background, you may notice more than ever that chewing and speaking are very difficult. When you chew, your denture may become dislodged, and when you speak, you may stumble over your words or find it difficult to pronounce certain sounds. This is because the muscles in your cheek and jaw area will be getting stronger, which takes time. Once they do, you will notice that eating and speaking will get easier. One way to practice and speed up this process is to talk out loud or read aloud. It’s also a good idea to chew smaller bites of food to begin with during this transition period.
After 30 Days
After your first month with your denture, you’ll notice that they feel more natural and comfortable in your mouth. However, as the years go on, your denture’s fit may change as your jawbone changes. This is a sign that it could be time to have them either relined or replaced entirely. You’ll need to return to your dentist for these services to make sure your denture continues serving you well!
While it will likely take you about a month to adjust to your new prosthetic, it’s important that you hang in there and keep in mind that this is a natural part of the process! With patience and persistence, you’ll quickly discover all of the unique benefits that your replacement teeth have to offer.
About the Author
Dr. Arrechea has over 20 years of experience, with several of those years spent exercising her eye for cosmetic precision working at Glidewell Dental Laboratory. Her extensive training and unique skillsets allow her to provide patients with beautiful, functional full and partial dentures, as well as stable implant dentures. To learn more about how Dr. Arrechea can help restore your smile, visit Daily Smiles Dental Dallas’ website or call 214-624-6221.