Did you know that an estimated 36 million Americans have lost all of their teeth? And out of that 36 million, around 90% wear dentures. It’s no wonder that dentures are such a popular solution for missing teeth – they’re a great way to restore both your smile and self-confidence. But even with the many benefits that dentures in Hiram offer, they can still be difficult to get accustomed to (especially at first). Fortunately, there are some great tips and tricks for adjusting to life with dentures – keep reading to learn about 5 of the best!
1. Be Patient
As with any medical or dental procedure that involves a prosthesis, it’s natural that it will take some time to become accustomed to it. You’ve been speaking, chewing and smiling for many years, and now you have to re-learn all of those things with a brand new set of teeth!
But rest assured, even if your denture feels strange at first, you will get used to it. To help things along a bit, you can start by temporarily changing your diet to include soft foods that still provide plenty of nutrition, such as:
- Smoothies with protein powder, yogurt and fruit
- Peanut butter
- Mashed potatoes
- Avocado
- Scrambled eggs
- Porridge or oatmeal
- Hummus
- Applesauce
- Cottage cheese
- Creamed soup
- Plain yogurt
Also, make sure to cut solid foods into smaller pieces to make them easier to chew. After the first couple of weeks, you’ll be able to chew a wider variety of foods.
If you have any gum tenderness, it’s a good idea to remove your dentures periodically (about every 4 hours) to give your tissues a break.
2. Sing To Improve Your Speech
Singing is a surprising way to re-train yourself to speak clearly after getting dentures. Try singing your favorite songs slowly and smoothly to help your tongue and lips learn how articulate words again. This method will work more quickly than you might think!
3. Try Different Adhesives
As with anything, different products work for different people. With so many denture adhesives on the market, it’s really just a matter of finding the one you like the best.
Once you find the right one, you’ll be able to stick with it for many years, so it’s worth the time and effort.
4. Exercise Your Facial Muscles
You would be surprised at how many muscles there are in your face, all of which help you speak, chew and swallow food. Doing facial exercises a few weeks before and after getting dentures can be really helpful in helping you adjust to dentures. A good example is holding an exaggerated smile for 10 seconds at a time several times a day.
5. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
After your extractions, be sure to closely follow the instructions you get from your dentist in Hiram. The better your tissues heal at this stage, the better your denture will feel later!
Dentures are a wonderful way to get your smile back after tooth loss. These 5 tips and tricks will help you enjoy your new smile as quickly as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Jack Bickford has provided dentures to countless patients over the years. He knows it can take time to get through the adjustment period, so he always educates his patients about the strategies they can use to adjust as quickly as possible. If you have any other questions about getting used to dentures, he can be reached via his website or at (770) 445-6606.
