Today’s dentures are nothing like the ones your parents or grandparents might have worn. They are made using strong, natural-looking materials and custom-fit to each patient. However, even with all of the advancements they’ve made over the years, it still takes a little time to get used to them. Whether you’re thinking about getting a denture or already have an appointment scheduled, here’s what you can expect the first month to look like with your new teeth.

Sleeping with Dentures

You will likely be asked to keep your dentures on for 24 hours after having them initially placed, especially if you had teeth extracted at the same appointment. The prosthetic will essentially act as a “band-aid” and kickstart the healing process for your gums.

After that first day, however, you should always take your dentures off before going to bed and soak them in water or a denture solution. This will allow your gums to rest and breathe throughout the night so they can stay healthy.

Cleaning Dentures

Cleaning a denture is slightly different than brushing your natural teeth. Firstly, you should remove the denture so you can reach every side of it. It’s important that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush so you don’t scratch it, and instead of toothpaste, clear-colored hand soap is your go-to.

Just like your real teeth, you should ideally brush your denture twice a day in the morning and evening, and at least once a week, soak it for a few hours in a denture solution. This will help remove those stubborn food particles that won’t come off otherwise.

Eating with Dentures

Start with a soft food diet (yogurt, scrambled eggs, not-too-hot soup, etc.) and slowly introduce tougher items as you become more comfortable. It’s wise to try to chew on both sides of your mouth equally so you don’t accidentally wear out one part of the prosthetic. A well-made denture should enable you to eat pretty much whatever you like, but it’s recommended to cut up hard-to-chew foods into smaller pieces.

Speaking with Dentures

Your speech might sound a little different after getting a denture, but you’ll quickly be able to adjust. After a while, you should sound clearer and more articulate! The best way to make this happen quickly is to practice. Common methods include reading aloud, singing in the shower, or basically finding any excuse you can to talk.

Typically, most patients feel perfectly at home with their dentures after the first month. But, if something feels awkward or isn’t getting easier, don’t be shy about contacting your dentist. A small adjustment might be all that’s needed to make you forget you’re even wearing a denture during the day!

About the Author

Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons are husband-and-wife restorative and implant dentists who graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Dr. Jackson completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency there, and Dr. Parsons is constantly training to use the latest technology to deliver the most comfortable and effective treatment possible. If you’d like to learn more about getting a denture or our other options for replacing missing teeth, schedule an appointment at El Reno Family Dentistry today.