You’ve made the life-changing decision to opt for dentures to replace your lost teeth, and you’re all set to greet the world with a gleaming new smile. But wait. There are a few things you should know before you try to go about life as normal.
Our expert team of dentists at Sunrise Dental of Spokane are here to answer all your denture and dental questions. We specialize in getting to know you and your unique denture needs. We make sure your new dentures fit as if they are made just for you — because they are.
And with a little knowledge up front, you will be chewing, talking, and laughing like you have a mouth that’s full of natural teeth. Here’s what you need to know.
Give it some time
While we do our best to make your dentures look like the real thing, they may feel a bit foreign in your mouth when you first get them. We recommend a breaking-in period when you wear them for a while and take them out for a while until you get used to them.
During this breaking-in phase, you may find that wearing your dentures for extended periods of time causes sores on your gums. Just follow our team’s advice and you’ll transition into denture-dom with no problem.
Keep them clean
Just like your real teeth, your dentures need regular cleaning. Follow the same brushing routine as before you had dentures, cleaning them at least twice a day.
When you remove them at night, soak them in a solution specifically formulated for dentures. Then brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any film or plaque buildup.
Don’t forget that your remaining teeth (if you have any) need some care as well. Brush and floss your natural teeth as usual, brush your gums and tongue as well, and check your mouth for any signs of irritation or infection, such as redness or swelling.
Try a little trial and error
Before you go out in public with your brand-new dentures, give them a test drive at home first. Remember, this appliance in your mouth is something completely foreign to your tongue and other teeth, so you may need a little practice before your new dentures work and play well together.
Even the simple act of speaking can trip you up until you’re used to the new feeling. Read a book out loud while you’re alone and see how it goes. You may need to adjust the way your tongue moves slightly, or you may need to practice your pronunciation.
Eating also takes a little time to get used to. Start off with something soft and smooth so you get the feel of it. Then you can graduate to chewing something tender. Once you get the hang of it, you should be able to eat with few or no restrictions.
Keep an eye out for problems
After you break in your dentures, and eating, talking, and laughing all become second nature to you again, you shouldn’t have any problems. If you notice signs of an ill-fitting appliance, such as sore or red gums, come in and see us so we can make an adjustment if necessary.
If you have bleeding or other discharge, it could be a sign of infection, and you should see us right away.
Most people have a very pleasant experience with their dentures and live with them for many years. If you have some missing teeth or have questions about how dentures might fit into your life, give us a call to make an appointment.