If you have missing teeth, dentures can restore your smile and your confidence. Dentures can also help with everyday tasks like speaking and eating. That said, wearing dentures will take some getting used to. Here are some tips to help you adjust to your new teeth.
How New Dentures Feel
For several weeks after you first get them fitted your new dentures may feel somewhat awkward. In fact they may feel a bit loose for awhile as the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to keep your new dentures in place.
Your saliva flow could be temporarily increased, or you may experience some minor irritation or soreness. Rest assured that as you become accustomed to your new dentures these problems will fade away, but there’s no denying it, there's bound to be some discomfort in the early days.
Eating
Eating is definitely going to take some practice. Start with bite sized pieces of soft foods. Slowly and carefully chew each piece.
To prevent your dentures from tipping, try to use both sides of your mouth at the same time when chewing. Once you have mastered eating soft foods gradually begin adding other foods back into your diet until your eating is back to normal.
Keep chewing food using both sides of your mouth at the same time, and be extra careful when eating anything with sharp-edged bones or shells, as well as any hard or hot foods.
Talking
Talking will require some practice. It's a good idea to read out loud to yourself, repeating words that you have difficulty with. If your dentures "click" when you talk, try speaking a little more slowly.
Your new dentures may occasionally slip when you smile, laugh or cough. If this happens to you, you can reposition your dentures is by gently biting down and swallowing.