Adaptation To New Teeth
"Ninety percent attitude, ten percent anatomy." That is what my father used to tell me, and after many years in practice I’ve found this to be generally true. The reference of course being the patient with a positive attitude would settle into new dentures much more quickly, and although a good set of ridges were an asset, it was secondary to a good mind set. People are not born with the ability to wear dentures it is a skill that is learned at varying degrees from patient to patient.
First time denture wearers in particular have to learn a host of new techniques for chewing and even speaking. For most this process will take two to three weeks. Some helpful hints for settling in new teeth are as follows;
1. Small Bites, Soft Food
Don’t be overly ambitious the first few days. Let your mouth gradually become accustomed to how your new dentures work. Hard foods and heavy chewing can lead to tender gums and frustration. It is not uncommon to initially find some food slipping under a lower denture. Once the muscles in your tongue and cheek have reoriented themselves to this new way or chewing you will find this problem decreases.
2. Be Patient
After a few weeks of wear your dentures will feel very different from the first day they went in. Keep them in consistently from morning through until bedtime. If there is a reason you are unable to do this, contact your dental office. Taking the dentures in and out through the day because you feel awkward will prolong the settling in period.
3. Speech Problems
It is not uncommon for patients to lisp, and struggle with ‘s’ words, this generally goes away in a few days. You can retrain the tongue more quickly by reading aloud to oneself, concentrating on how you form the sounds through the palate of the denture.
4. Gagging
Very few patients experience this, and it generally occurs during the first few hours of a new denture being inserted. It is crucial to leave the denture in place until the gag reflex has settled down. Sucking on a lifesaver or peppermint will help.
5. Sore Spots
As you begin to exert pressures on your new dentures it is possible to develop tender or sore spots. These usually occur on the lower arch as this denture is more mobile and distributes the pressure over a smaller area. Sometimes these will resolve on their own, but most often will require an adjustment to the denture by your practitioner. Two to three adjustments is not unusual for a new lower.
Patience and persistence, that’s the motto for success. With a positive attitude and a little help from your dental office your new smile will feel like your own in no time at all.