Congratulations on getting your dentures! Although your beautiful new restorations can instantly replace an entire arch of teeth, it may take a little longer to get used to wearing them. Here’s what you need to know about the first month wearing dentures, and how to make the transition as brief, easy, and comfortable as possible!
The First 24 Hours
To help get your mouth used to your new dentures (and your dentures to form to your arches), your dentist recommends not removing them for 24 hours, even while you sleep. However, after the first day, be sure that you are taking them out every night before heading to bed and leaving them completely submerged in a glass of water until you’re ready to use them again. This is essential for allowing your gums to absorb nutrients while you rest and preventing your prosthetics from drying out.
Because it will likely still be difficult to chew with your new dentures, try eating a soft, non-abrasive diet. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Soup
- Oatmeal
- Cream of wheat
- Scrambled eggs
- Soup
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Jello
- Hummus
Weeks One & Two
The first two weeks will be a time of adjustment, as you learn to eat and speak with your new restorations. Your dentist may recommend that you drop by for a follow-up visit to check that your dentures fit properly and are not causing any problems. At this stage, you might even be able to expand your diet and include tougher foods. You can also experiment with different cooking methods to make certain items softer.
If you are still struggling to speak clearly with your prosthetics, read aloud or narrate your day to get extra practice. Denture sores and increased saliva production are also common during this time but should go away as your mouth adjusts to wearing them.
Weeks Two through Four
By the two-week marker, it should be much easier to eat and speak with your dentures, and your saliva levels should start to return to normal.
To ensure that your prosthetics last as long as possible, don’t forget to take excellent care of them. Remove them every time you eat and rinse them off before putting them back in your mouth. Brush them at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and either unscented hand soap or denture cleanser, and floss between every tooth.
If you’re not wearing your dentures, it’s important to prevent them from drying out, as this can cause them to crack or lose their shape. Thus, be sure to leave them submerged in a glass of water or soak and never wear them to bed.
Remember, although it can take several weeks or more to adjust to your new dentures, the more you practice with them, the sooner you’ll be able to experience their full benefits, including eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence!
About Our Practice
At Eley Family Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Eley and Dr. Joel Eley are pleased to offer durable, lifelike dentures as a solution to missing teeth. If you’re ready to restore your healthy, beautiful smile, these restorations can help! To learn more about dentures, schedule a consultation by visiting our website or calling 371-622-8711.