While the benefits of replacing all your missing teeth with dentures are undeniable, you may still feel nervous about actually doing so. This is completely understandable; getting dentures is a big change. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make the process of getting and adjusting to dentures easier. Below are a few tips for coping during your denture transition.
Bring a Loved One with You When You Visit the Dentist
Many individuals are anxious about visiting the dentist even under the best of circumstances, so it’s normal to feel a bit apprehensive about your denture appointments. Having a loved one with you can go a long way toward helping you keep your fears under control. That way, you can be sure that there will be somebody there to help you make the important decisions. It can also be quite comforting to have a loved one nearby when you first go in to have your new teeth fitted.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions and Get the Facts
Sometimes you might find that the fears you have about getting dentures are unfounded. For example, it’s common to worry about dentures looking fake, but in reality, your prosthesis will be carefully designed to look as natural as possible. You can put any other misconceptions you might have to rest by talking to your dentist; they can help put your mind at ease by giving you a clear idea of what to expect.
Be Careful When Eating at First
When you first start wearing dentures, your gums will likely be somewhat sore for a while. As such, it’s important to be as gentle on your mouth as you can. During meals, you should stay away from anything hard or sticky. Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs instead. Don’t worry; after a while, it should be okay for you to return to heartier meals, although it’s still a good idea to cut your foods into smaller pieces that are easier to chew.
Practice Speaking with Your Dentures
At first, you might find it hard to pronounce certain words with dentures. The T, F, and S sounds can be especially challenging in the beginning. But there’s no need to fret; your tongue will eventually learn to account for your dentures so that you can speak normally again. If you’d like to speed up the process, you can give yourself some practice by reading aloud from your favorite book and repeating the words that are giving you trouble. Spending a lot of time speaking to your friends and family can also help.
With the support of your loved ones, there’s no need to fear the prospect of getting dentures. Once you’re past the transitional phase, you can fully enjoy your beautiful, reliable new smile.
About the Author
Dr. TJ Sprague studied dentistry at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. Since his graduation, he has been thoroughly trained in a number of dental procedures. At Berkshire Dental Group in Broken Arrow, he can help his patients regain complete smiles with full and partial dentures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sprague, visit his website or call (918) 250-9528.