Dentists near you understand that no one looks forward to wearing dentures. They also know, though, that modern dentures in Winnipeg are made with superior and advanced materials and can be a highly effective solution for adults who are experiencing the lifestyle limitations and health impacts of tooth loss.
As comfortable and securely fitting as today’s dentures are — and dentures have come a long way since the ones your grandparents used to wear — it does take some time to get accustomed to wearing them. Thankfully, getting accustomed to dentures happens quickly, and you’ll begin to reap the benefits of your investment very quickly.
To help you in your transition to wearing dentures, here are four experiences and some suggestions that people report after starting to wear dentures for the first time.
Eating can be briefly difficult
Once you become accustomed to your dentures, you’ll find that you’re able to eat almost everything you want confidently and naturally. The truth is, though, that it won’t feel that way from the very first moment. Be patient with yourself. The presence of your dentures in your mouth and against your gums and palate as you bite and chew will feel briefly unusual, but you’ll quickly become accustomed to the sensations and mechanics of chewing again.
If you’re finding that the adjustment process is taking longer than anticipated, contact your dental clinic in North Kildonan and describe what you’re feeling. Sometimes a minor adjustment to the fit is all that is required to remedy the situation.
Speaking may feel and sound strange for a couple of days
The shape of your mouth, and how your tongue and lips alter that shape, are a big factor in the production of all the sounds in the alphabet. If you’ve been living without teeth, or with only some teeth, for a while, you may have become accustomed to a new normal of altered speaking habits that dentures will correct — in time and with practice.
Once you become accustomed to the new shape and size of the interior of your mouth, speaking will be natural again quickly. The key to quickly restoring confident speech is to practice, practice, and practice some more. You may be tempted to stay quiet; that will only prolong your adjustment period. Instead of staying quiet, practice by reading aloud to yourself even while you build your confidence towards conversations and — yes — public speaking and even singing. It’ll come.
Don’t neglect your oral hygiene once you start wearing dentures
A dentist near you will provide detailed instructions on how to keep your dentures clean. You still have natural and essential gum tissue and jaw matter under your dentures. Keeping those dentures clean will preserve your gums and jaw, and your oral health. Cleaning will also ensure that your dentures continue to look and feel natural in your mouth.
You may be tempted to cut back on attending your regular dental checkups after switching to dentures. Resist that temptation in the interests of your continuing good oral health. Dental checkups will ensure good gum health, allow a dentist near you to screen for other related conditions, and identify any fit or maintenance issues with your dentures before they become a big deal.
Don’t shortcut the adjustment process
If you’re feeling particularly enthusiastic about getting past the adjustment period to leading your fullest and most confident life again, you may be tempted to never take your dentures out. That’s another temptation to resist. Your gums need the respite that removing your dentures as you sleep gives them. Removing them temporarily will help to prevent sores and possible infections while your gums adapt, and give you the opportunities you need to perform essential cleaning.
We know from supporting hundreds of patients that the process of adapting to dentures near you takes time, but that it is time well spent. We are here to answer any questions or to respond to unexpected developments along the way. As you get accustomed to your new dentures, don’t hesitate to contact a dental clinic in Winnipeg.