Life with dentures

Any denture that is made for any mouth was seated onto that oral tissue against its will.  The oral cavity was never designed to house plastic components, or any other combination of materials.

The first few days the dentures will feel extremely large and loose, and is usually ill fitting until the tissues become compressed enough to allow the denture to seat.

During these first few weeks, difficulty to speak, swallow, chew, kiss, drink with a straw or from a cup will all be part of a learning curve.

Also in almost all cases the dentures will settle in unevenly due to anatomical differences in the mouth as well as habitual differences like chewing on your left or right side more.

It is quite common to have inflammation or denture sore spots.

Denturists will always advise to start off slowly, being very deliberate about chewing.  Chew soft foods and try to use both sides of the mouth at the same time.

Always remember to take the dentures out after every meal to rinse and cleanse them and your mouth.  It is common to have lots of food left over in your mouth when wearing a denture.

You will be seeing your Denturist for checkups in the first few weeks to make sure the bite and fit are customized to your habits and chewing behaviours.  You will also find that your dentures may cause you to salivate more frequently but this too will ease as time passes.  Eventually the denture will find a home in the mouth and it will become a part of you.

Depending on your treatment choice, your ability to return to full normal function will vary.  Remember, dentures can only function as long as the gums can support them, “So the more support, the more natural the function.”  This is why implant supported dentures have become so popular in recent years.