TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME DENTURE WEARERS

It’s never something that people look forward to, but for those getting their first dentures , it may help to understand that the elimination of the pain and embarrassment of missing teethwill soon be replaced with beautiful, functional teeth that act much like real teeth. But there is some aspects of wearing dentures that you will need to get used to. Not everyone experiences speaking and eating issues with their new dentures but they are common. If your dentist has recommended the transition to either partial or full dentures, educate yourself about the expectations to avoid unpleasant surprises. Common questions regarding dentures include:

I’m finally going in for a fitting for partial dentures, I’m worried about what I will sound like speaking, and experiencing any embarrassing slips when eating. I’m also concerned about the pain or discomfort. Am I over-reacting?

Answer:

Your concerns and fears are warranted, however millions of Americans are able to comfortably wear and use dentures every day without any one knowing. With advanced manufacturing techniques and materials, today’s dentures fit better, look more natural and are far more functional than outdated dental apparatuses from the past. It is recommended that when you first get your new dentures, that you talk as much as possible when alone to get used to the fit and feel. Talk to your dog, your plants, your self. Singing in the car – out loud and proud – will also help you adjust and find any issues with the fit.

I’ve been wearing my dentures for a few weeks now, but they still continue to be uncomfortable. Is this normal?

Answer:

Give it some time. It is estimated that it may take about a week for every decade that you’ve lived with your natural teeth. So, if you are in your 50’s it will probably take more than 5 weeks for your mouth and cheek muscles to adjust to the different oral structure. If you are feeling sore and raw spots however, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. It may be time to schedule an adjustment. Your gums will continue to shrink and move and therefore, the dentures will have to be changed too.

Uggh, I just got my dentures done and I almost prefer to have missing teeth. I’ve never drooled so much in my life! What is going on?

Answer:

The extra salivation that you are experiencing is completely natural. Your mouth believes that your dentures, as a foreign object, is food and is doing its job- physiologically – to break that down for chewing and digestion. Though this may be somewhat irritating, it is temporary, as your mouth will also adjust to always having it in there. Which is another reason you may want to practice speaking while alone – so that you don’t find yourself spraying others with your extra saliva. Mints and sweets worn early on will help decrease those amounts too.

Dr. Burisch has been making high quality partial and full dentures for patients since 1984, that are stable and will not move around when you eat. Our full and partial denturesare custom-made using quality materials that look natural and are durable.