While modern dentures look and work well, you can’t use them as easily as natural teeth right away. It’ll take you about a month to adjust to these peculiar prosthetics. With that said, knowing how those 30 days will go can ensure a smoother transition for your smile. Your Harker Heights dentist will even share a brief outline with you. So, read on to learn what you should expect from your first month with dentures.
30 Days with Dentures: An Outline
Your adjustment to dentures will largely occur over the first thirty days. During that time, you can expect the following effects:
The First 24 Hours
Your first 24 hours with dentures will involve sore gums. After all, the pressure from your new prosthetics will be unfamiliar and make your mouth’s tissues ache.
To compensate for this soreness, you can take some precautions. One idea would be to only eat soft foods during this period – soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc. Another approach is to wear your dentures to bed, as they’d act as a bandage for your gums on this first day.
The First Two Weeks
You’ll see your dentist several times over the initial two weeks. In fact, the first such visit will let them remove your dentures without harming your gums.
Your mouth may feel slightly sore or achy during these weeks. If you’re unlucky, you may even develop sore spots on your gums from the dentures’ pressure. It’d be a good idea to supplement meals with a protein-rich drink in response, as doing so would reduce aches.
After The First Two Weeks
You’ll likely have better adjusted to your dentures after the two-week mark. At that point, you won’t have many (or any) sore spots; eating will have also gotten a bit easier.
You may still be lisping after two weeks, but don’t worry. This effect should fade as you speak with dentures more.
How to Adjust to Dentures More Easily
You can take various steps to make your 30-day adjustment to dentures easier. These include:
- Eat in Small Bites – Once you’re past a soft food diet, cut tough items into bite-sized pieces. They’ll be easier to chew with your back teeth.
- Avoid Hard & Sticky Stuff – Dentures struggle with sticky and hard foods, which can sometimes dislodge your new teeth.
- Keep Practicing – If you want to overcome any lingering lisp, continue to read aloud with your dentures and keep a list of tricky words. These habits will make speaking easier over time.
While your first month with dentures may involve struggles, it’ll be worthwhile. Remember that as you adjust to your new teeth!
About the Practice
Market Heights Family Dental is based in Harker Heights, TX. Led by Drs. Matthew Tochterman and Gary Pundt, our practice makes quality dentistry the highest priority. Our team will always tailor your preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatment to your smile’s specific needs! That way, you can rest assured that your grin will get proper help and care. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (254)-699-3565.