Dentures can help with everyday tasks like eating and speaking, but can also restore your smile and your confidence. That said, it will take a little time to adjust to your new teeth. Here are a few tips to help.
How They’ll Feel
You're bound to feel somewhat awkward for several weeks after you first get your new teeth. As the muscles of your tongue and cheeks learn to keep your dentures in place, they may feel a little loose.
You may experience some minor irritation, or a temporary increase in saliva flow. These problems are typical and will gradually fade away as you become accustomed to your dentures.
One way or another, there's just no denying it, you're bound to feel uncomfortable for awhile.
Tips for Speaking and Eating with Dentures
Learning to eat with your new dentures is going to take a little bit of practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly and carefully. Make sure you use both sides of your mouth at the same time when chewing, in order to prevent your dentures from tipping.
Once you’ve mastered soft foods, you can slowly begin to add other foods until you finally return to your normal diet.
Continue chewing your food using both sides of the mouth at the same time and be extra cautious when eating very hot or hard foods, as well as foods with bones or sharp-edged shells.
Speaking is also going to require a bit of practice. It's a good idea to read out loud to yourself and repeat words that you have difficulty with.
If notice that your dentures "click" while you're speaking, just try to speak a little more slowly.
Another common problem that new denture wearers may encounter is dentures that slip when you cough, laugh or smile. All you need to do is gently bite down and swallow in order to reposition them.