Modern dentures are so beautifully lifelike that casual observers are unlikely to notice that they are there, and they are incredibly comfortable once you get used to wearing them. However, adjusting to your new dentures can take some time, and you may need some practice before you can chew and speak easily. Here’s a brief guide to what you can expect during your first month wearing dentures as well as a few tips for keeping the acclimation process smooth and comfortable.
What to Expect Immediately After Receiving Dentures
When you first receive your new dentures, your dentist may instruct you to wear them for a full twenty-four hours before coming back to the office to have the appliance removed the next day. After this, it is important to begin a habit of removing your dentures every night so you can clean them and soak them for at least eight hours. This gives your mouth time to rest and clean itself, which helps prevent soft-tissue irritation, gum disease, and jawbone erosion.
Gum tissue contracts as it heals, so your dental ridges may change shape after you first receive your dentures. During your first few weeks wearing them, you may have to go back to your dentist’s office to have the appliance adjusted.
You May Experience a Slight Lisp
The teeth play a crucial role in how the mouth forms the sounds that make up speech, and tooth loss can make pronouncing certain words more difficult. While dentures function in place of a patient’s lost teeth during speech, they may find that they have a lisp immediately after receiving their appliance since they are not used to speaking with it. You can expect this problem to gradually disappear as you get more practice talking with your dentures, and you may be able to hasten this process by reading a favorite book out loud and repeating any words you find difficult.
After Your First Month
After thirty days have passed, your dentures should feel completely comfortable and eating and speaking with them should come much more naturally. However, your dentures will eventually need to be adjusted due to the way your mouth changes shape over time. If you notice any changes in the way your dentures fit such as oral sores, clicking sounds, or them sliding around in the mouth, inform your dentist so they can fix them or recommend replacement.
Knowing what to expect during your first month with dentures can take a lot of stress out of the adjustment period. If they receive excellent care, your dentures may last for seven to ten years before needing replacement.
About the Practice
Clear Coast Dental delivers effective oral health treatments and remarkable results to the people of New Bedford. Led by Drs. Akbar, Herr, and Luccio, the staff helps each patient achieve better dental wellness with sincere compassion and without judgment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about what to expect after receiving dentures, contact the office online or dial (508) 997-1030.
