President George Washington famously wore cumbersome false teeth made of ivory, and prosthetic dental medicine has come a long way since then. Modern dentures are astoundingly lifelike and functional, and they should be incredibly comfortable after you get used to wearing them. However, you can expect to need some time to get used to wearing your appliance before you can speak and chew easily with it. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect during your first few weeks of wearing dentures.
Your First Twenty-Four Hours with Dentures
Your gums will probably be tender when you first receive your dentures, and you’ll probably be instructed to wear your appliance continuously for at least twenty-four hours afterward so it can act as a pressure bandage. After your first full day with dentures, however, it’s important to remove and soak your appliance every night before going to bed. You can reduce soreness by taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed.
It’s also best to stick to a diet of soft, mild foods to prevent irritation while your mouth is healing. A few excellent items to stock up on include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Hot cereal
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Soup
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
Your First Two Weeks with Dentures
After two weeks, you should start feeling more comfortable with your dentures and have fewer sore spots in your mouth. It’s best to chew slowly and carefully while getting used to your appliances, and you may also need practice to learn how to speak clearly. While you should find that speech becomes easier as you get more practice, you can accelerate this process by reading a favorite book out loud and repeating difficult words.
Your First Month with Dentures
Your dentures should feel remarkably comfortable after about a month, and you can keep them in good shape for several years after that by practicing excellent maintenance and hygiene. However, your appliance may not fit as well after a few years due to the changing shape of the mouth, and you may be able to address this with denture adhesive. However, it will eventually be necessary to replace the appliance altogether. Implant dentures, on the other hand, may last much longer before needing replacement than traditional restorations.
Dentures can be a comfortable and cost-effective solution to tooth loss. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best way to avoid complications while adjusting to them.
About the Practice
Boston Smile Center offers the most outstanding oral healthcare in Brookline. Led by Drs. Alan Sasson, Ahmed Abugad, and Avi Shainhouse, the staff treats each patient with kindness, courtesy, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dentures. To learn more about wearing dentures, contact the practice online or dial (617) 739-1017.