Is It Difficult to Get Used to Dentures?

Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or a full arch of teeth, there’s no easier way to fill the gap in your smile than dentures. With the option to pop the denture into and out of your mouth, you can present a full smile whenever you want. And you don’t have to worry about the tooth or jawbone prep that comes with a bridge or dental implant. 

That doesn’t mean, however, that you’ll feel fully confident the second you put your dentures in. These types of replacement teeth require a little adjustment, and we’re here to help. 

Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and our team offer dentures and have extensive experience helping folks get used to their new teeth. At our Riverside Dental offices in Yonkers and Thornwood, New York, we work to get you past the learning curve as quickly and easily as possible.

How long it takes to get used to dentures

While your smile looks complete from the second you put in your dentures, your mouth probably won’t feel normal at first. It can take about a month to get used to having the new tooth or teeth in your mouth.

If you had to have a tooth or teeth extracted shortly before getting dentures, adjustment might take longer as your body heals the extraction site. It generally takes more time to adjust to dentures if you’re replacing a full arch of teeth.

That said, we have some tips to help you get over the hump. 

Tips to speed up the learning curve 

For starters, wear your dentures as much as possible. They might feel uncomfortable at first, and you may even develop some sore spots. (Gargling with warm salt water can help.) Even if your dentures feel weird or cause discomfort, try to keep them in. The more you wear them, the faster the muscles in your mouth and cheeks get used to them. 

If your dentures are downright painful, though, come see Dr. Master-Patel. She can adjust them so they don’t rub awkwardly and sit as comfortably as possible in your mouth.

Some small lifestyle changes and best practices can help you get used to your dentures faster, too. These include:

• Singing in your dentures (it sounds weird, but it helps you learn to wear them)
• Eating soft food for the first week
• Taking smaller bites
• Practicing speaking, like reading out loud
• Biting down on something before you talk (helps position your dentures)
• Keeping your dentures in water when they’re out of your mouth

That last tip prevents your dentures from warping, ensuring a bad fit doesn’t make your adjustment period longer. Also, don’t forget to brush your dentures daily to remove plaque and food particles. 

To explore getting dentures or for help getting used to them, we’re here. Call the Riverside Dental office nearest you or book an appointment online today.