Getting new dentures is an exciting step in your smile’s new journey, but it’s completely normal for them to feel a little strange at first. Your gums, cheeks, and tongue all need time to adapt, and many people end up needing about a month or longer to fully adjust to wearing new dentures. That said, here’s a basic outline of what you can expect during your first 30 days, along with tips to make the adjustment period easier for you—or your loved one, if they wear dentures!
Week One: The Biggest Learning Curve
During the first few days of wearing dentures, they may feel bulky or loose, and you may notice extra saliva, mild gum soreness, or a slight gag reflex. Eating and speaking will likely feel awkward at first, too. But remember—this is all a normal part of the process as your mouth gets used to something new.
As far as your diet is concerned, you can stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, and other similar items. You can also cut things into very small, bite-sized pieces. Also be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions concerning oral hygiene, as well as caring for your dentures in these early days.
Weeks Two & Three: Settling In
Most patients claim that by the second or third week of wearing dentures, they feel much more natural. By this point, speaking will usually begin to improve with practice, and chewing becomes easier, meaning it’s okay to slowly begin adding firmer foods back into your diet. However, it’s important to work at your own pace and to continue to avoid hard and sticky foods that could cause problems for your restoration.
It’s possible that you may get sore spots from wearing your dentures, but don’t try to adjust your restoration yourself; instead, let your dentist know so they can quickly fix it and prevent further irritation.
Week Four & Beyond: Enjoying Your New Smile
Around the one-month mark, many patients feel mostly comfortable when it comes to eating, speaking, smiling, laughing, and using their new smile to the fullest. That said, it’s important to continue building good habits during this time, especially when maintaining your dentures. Be sure you’re removing and cleaning them daily, in addition to brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth.
Keep in mind that as great as dentures are, they do have one key drawback—your jawbone will continue to change over time, so their fit might change, or they may wear out from overuse. Luckily, you can still get great mileage out of your new teeth by doing the little things right!
About the Practice
Our team here at Smile Design Implant Centers has served the dental needs of those in Reno and the nearby area for several years. We offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including partial, full, and implant-retained dentures. If you have any questions about dentures or you’re ready to schedule an appointment at our office to begin rebuilding your smile, don’t wait to reach out online or call us today for more information. Telephone: (775) 391-6636.