Advice for Patients Who Are Eating with Dentures for the First Time
Whether you are getting implant-supported or traditional dentures to replace missing teeth, there is a period of time in which you will become accustomed to having your new dentures in your mouth. One part of the post-treatment phase that you will need to adjust to is eating with dentures. At the practice of James M. Stein, DMD, in Boston, MA, we offer tips to help you adapt to your new dentures and discuss how long it will take before it feels normal to complete everyday tasks like eating and speaking.
How Long Does it Take to Adjust to Dentures?
The amount of time that it takes to adjust to dentures varies from person to person. If your dentures are replacing a small number of teeth, it may just take a few days to adjust to your new prosthetic. If you are having a full arch of teeth replaced, it may take a few weeks or even a month to feel as though your new dentures are a natural part of your mouth.
The most important thing you can do to ensure that your dentures feel comfortable and stable in your mouth after the adjustment period is to choose a qualified dentist to complete your dental work. Dr. Stein is an ADA-accredited prosthodontist who has undergone advanced training to design and create dental restorations that look natural, feel comfortable, and complement each patient’s appearance. Patients in Boston are fortunate to have access to a skilled dentist who can improve the appearance and function of the smile with traditional and implant-supported dentures.
Tip to Adjust to Your New Dentures While Eating
After you have your dentures placed, you should consume soft foods and liquids to avoid putting too much pressure on your new restorations and your gums. As you begin to feel more comfortable with your dentures, you can gradually change the way you eat until you are back to normal - or you may even be able to eat more foods than ever before.
After eating soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes, you can start cutting your food into small pieces to make it easier to chew and reduce pressure on your bite. You should also focus on alternating the sides of the mouth that you chew on to spread out any pressure placed on your new dentures and their supporting structures.
You should avoid especially hard or sticky foods in the days and weeks after getting dentures. In fact, these types of food should be eaten in moderation to avoid premature damage to dental restorations.
Contact Our Dental Practice
If you have had your new dentures for several weeks and are feeling some discomfort when eating or just have some questions, contact our practice today. It may be necessary to make minor adjustments to your prosthetic to improve comfort. You can contact that practice of James M. Stein, DMD, in Boston by calling or sending us a message online.
