Tips for Adjusting to and Caring for Your New Dentures
Getting new dentures is a significant step towards restoring your smile and improving your ability to eat and speak comfortably. While it takes some time to get completely used to them, proper care and understanding the adjustment process are key to long-term success. At Advanced Dental Professionals in Rapid City, we are dedicated to helping our patients navigate this transition smoothly. Think of us as your supportive “dentist near me” throughout your journey with new dentures.
Getting Used to Your New Dentures
The first few days and weeks with new dentures can feel a little strange, but this is completely normal. Your mouth needs time to adjust to the new prosthetic. You might initially experience increased saliva flow, minor irritation, or difficulty with certain sounds or foods.
- Start Slow: Begin by wearing your dentures for short periods each day. Gradually increase the wear time as you become more comfortable.
- Practice Eating: Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth simultaneously to help stabilize the dentures. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually introduce firmer foods.
- Practice Speaking: Read aloud to yourself to practice speaking with your new dentures. Pay attention to any words that seem difficult to pronounce and repeat them until they sound natural.
- Minor Irritation: It’s common to develop minor sore spots as your mouth adjusts. If you experience significant or persistent pain, swelling, or sore spots, it’s important to contact our office. We may need to make minor adjustments to your dentures to improve the fit. Remember, your jawbone can change shape over time, potentially affecting the fit, so follow-up appointments are crucial.
We are here to support you through the adjustment period. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions or concerns about how your dentures feel or function.
Essential Denture Care Tips
Proper denture care Rapid City relies on involves daily cleaning and maintenance to keep your dentures looking their best, feeling comfortable, and lasting longer. It also helps maintain the health of your gums and any remaining natural teeth. Here are some essential tips for caring for your dentures:
- Clean Daily: Wash your dentures daily in cold or warm water. Use a special denture brush or a hard toothbrush to clean all surfaces gently.
- Use the Right Cleaner: Use a denture cleaner, hand soap, or mild dish liquid for cleaning. Do NOT use toothpaste. Many kinds of toothpaste are abrasive and can scratch your dentures, which can lead to staining and damage.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse your dentures completely to remove any cleanser residue.
- Handle with Care: Always handle your dentures over a towel or a sink filled with water. This way, if you accidentally drop them, they are less likely to break.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid biting into very hard foods, as this can also damage your dentures.
- Soak When Out: When you take your dentures out, soak them in warm water or a denture-cleaning solution. This keeps them moist and helps prevent warping. Never use hot or boiling water.
- Overnight Removal: Unless specifically instructed otherwise by Dr. Studer or Dr. Lemmon, take out your dentures when you sleep. This allows your gums to rest.
Consistent and proper denture care Rapid City patients trust helps prevent bacterial buildup, stains, and odors, ensuring your dentures stay clean and your mouth stays healthy.
Regular Check-ups Are Crucial
Just like natural teeth, your mouth and dentures require regular professional care. We recommend at least an annual dental check-up for denture wearers. During these appointments, our team will:
- Examine your mouth for any signs of irritation, infection, or changes in your gums or bone structure.
- Check the fit of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. As mentioned, the shape of your jawbone can change over time, affecting how your dentures fit.
- Clean your dentures thoroughly and provide advice on maintaining them.
- Check any remaining natural teeth for decay or gum disease.
These regular visits to your “dentist near me” are vital for ensuring your comfort, maintaining the longevity of your dentures, and promoting your overall oral health.
Ready to Enhance Your Comfort and Confidence?
Advanced Dental Professionals is your partner in achieving and maintaining a healthy, functional smile, whether you have natural teeth or wear dentures. Dr. Aaron Studer, Dr. Shaun Lemmon, and our team are here to provide expert guidance and care for all your needs, including fitting new dentures and providing comprehensive denture care Rapid City residents depend on. We believe that when our patients’ mouths are healthy, their bodies are healthier as well.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.