Dentures are a useful tool that can help you to preserve your quality of life after losing your natural teeth. With well-maintained dentures, you can feel free to eat, smile, and laugh as you normally would. Of course, it may not feel like that right away. Let’s look at tips for adjusting to life with dentures.

Adjusting to Life with Dentures

Dentures have certainly improved over the decades, but they’re still prosthetics. They will feel strange, and it will take you time to adapt. Adjusting to dentures can take a couple of months, but the initial struggle is well worth the effort. Here are a few tips that will help you adapt more quickly with less discomfort.

Experiment with Adhesives

Well-maintained and well-fitted dentures don’t necessarily require an adhesive. However, when you first adapt to your dentures, it’s a good idea to try out a few different brands.

An adhesive can give you a more secure fit, which will improve comfort and confidence in those first few weeks. If one adhesive isn’t really helping, try another brand. Your dentist will have several recommendations, but it’s ultimately down to preference.

Sing at Home

While wearing your dentures at home, try singing along with your favorite songs. It may sound a bit silly, but singing is excellent practice for speaking with your dentures later.

Just singing a few songs a day with your dentures in will allow you to practice a wide range of mouth movements and sounds. Singing also takes you through a range of emotions and exuberance, so it’s a lot more effective than simply talking to yourself.

Take Breaks as Needed

Your gums are not used to dentures, and you are going to be sore at times. While it is important to practice wearing your dentures every day, it is equally important to give yourself moments of rest.

After you get your dentures in Cedar Falls, talk to your dentist about standard expectations. They will give you some guidelines for how often you should wear your dentures to speed along your adjustment. They will also provide guidelines in regard to when breaks are necessary. Ultimately, you want to be as comfortable as you can while you get used to your dentures.

Plan Your Meals

If you know you’re about to get dentures, then you should think about what you’re going to be willing to try eating in those first couple of weeks. Plan meals that are softer on your mouth and avoid heavy chewing.

For the first few days, you may even want to think about sticking to a soft diet. Talk to your dentist to get a better idea of what healing will look like for you so that you can plan accordingly. As you get more comfortable, incorporate more chewing to practice.

Don’t Skip Appointments

Going to all of your dental appointments is very important. Your dentist in Cedar Falls will be able to check the fit of your dentures and adjust them if necessary. They will be able to check for problem areas and provide medical advice that is unique to your situation.

Once you have completed the healing process and gotten used to your dentures, you should still see your dentist every six months. These appointments ensure that your gums are in good health and give your dentist an opportunity to check the fit of your dentures.

Enjoying Your Life with Dentures

The initial adjustment period can be trying. You will likely experience some discomfort, frustration, and self-consciousness. However, all of these feelings are temporary. With a little patience, you will find that modern dentures do an excellent job. With a bit of practice and proper care, no one will even know you’re wearing them.