5 Expert Tips on getting used to your New Set of Dentures

getting used to dentures

getting used to denturesServing patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

Missing teeth can dramatically affect an individual’s perception of their health and appearance. Whether tooth loss is from aging, a lack of oral care, or an accident, it can reduce self-confidence and self-esteem, especially during encounters with others. Fortunately, dentures are among the most efficient and fastest restorations to restore your smile and general functionality like speaking clearly and eating. However, new denture wearers will need time to adjust to the new feelings and sensations and get through the temporary discomfort of new dentures. Our Greeneville dentists who offer dentures share on the blog today five expert tips on getting used to your new set of dentures so that your adjustment period is straightforward.

  1. Patience is Vital

Getting back to eating the foods you love and your regular daily routine after getting dentures is an understandable desire, especially for patients with long-term tooth loss. However, patients who recently had extractions will need time for their gums to heal and get used to the new oral appliance. Our Jonesboro dentists explain that it’s important to have realistic expectations after initially receiving your dentures. Fortunately, modern dentures are more suitable for comfort and function than older styles.

  1. Practice Speaking

Lisping and slurred speech are tooth loss side effects, and most people discover that speaking with dentures can be very challenging initially. Our dentists who offer dentures in Erwin recommend reading aloud or singing to music to practice moving your mouth with your new dentures. As you continuously exercise your mouth muscles by trying to speak or sing, you gain speech improvement. In addition, practicing in private before going out in public can better prepare you for when your dentures slip and how to recover gracefully.

  1. Stay in Touch With Our Staff

At Tusculum Dental Care, we strive to achieve a near-perfect fit. However, most times, your dentures will need adjustments as your gums begin to shrink and heal. Therefore, our dentists in Greeneville recommend paying close attention to the feel of your new dentures. If you notice them slipping or creating friction with your cheeks, tongue, or gums, it’s best to contact us so that we can make the necessary adjustments.

  1. Concentrate on Your Oral Hygiene and Clean Dentures

Practicing good oral hygiene is crucial to your oral health, even if you have no remaining natural teeth. Furthermore, maintaining clean dentures should be the norm to prevent bacterial infections from forming. Our Jonesboro dentists will provide specific instructions for denture care that must be part of a daily brushing regimen. In addition, your remaining natural teeth should receive regular twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing as normal to prevent plaque and bacterial buildup.

  1. Learn by Trial and Error

Although it may sound like you might be thrown to the wolves when it comes to wearing new dentures, our staff is here to support your unique journey. In many cases, patients must experiment to find the most effective denture adhesive products that work for them and establish a quality at-home oral care routine. If you are unsure which products to use or how to clean your dentures effectively, please call our Erwin dental office and ask questions.

Dentures in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee

After navigating through the adjustment period, you can rest assured that your smile will feel, function, and look like the real thing. In addition, you can finally return to more complex foods that you love and more extended conversations with the ones you love. To find out more about dentures or schedule a consultation, please call Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575 or contact us online today.