Although dentures have changed over the years, they still have a reputation for being heavy and bulky. Fortunately, today’s dentures are lighter and more natural-looking than ever before, making them easier to adapt to and live with over time.
At Union Square Dental in New York City, our general and cosmetic dentists offer a range of dental services to keep your smile healthy and bright. If you need a new set of teeth due to age-related tooth loss or an injury, we can suggest the best course of action for you.
Dentures require some getting used to, despite advancements over the years. After a break-in period, most people are grateful for their dentures. Here’s some advice from our dentists for adjusting to your new dentures.
Getting used to your new dentures
After we place your new dentures, you can expect to receive guidance from our dentists on how to break them in. As you adjust to your new teeth, be sure to wear them as instructed. You won’t get used to them if you don’t wear them long enough.
However, don’t overdo it. Some patients wear their dentures too long, hoping to hasten the process. This can lead to discomfort. If you follow our recommendations, you should quickly feel more at ease with your brand-new set of pearly whites.
Practice, practice, practice
Take some time to familiarize yourself with your dentures since they’ll feel strange to you at first. Start by eating soft foods that won’t overly tax your new teeth. If you can, steer clear of foods that are hard and sticky.
To learn how your dentures might perform, try foods with various textures and read or speak aloud while you’re by yourself. You won’t need much time to pick up the minor adjustments; they’ll quickly become second nature to you.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene
Even though they’re artificial, dentures require the same maintenance as natural teeth. There aren’t many differences. When wearing dentures, you must:
- Take them out each night and soak them in a cleaning solution
- Avoid scrubbing them too vigorously
- Examine your mouth and gums for signs of irritability
- Floss your teeth
- Visit the dentist regularly
Maintaining good oral hygiene helps keep your mouth and dentures in tip-top shape.
Spotting signs of infection
Every new denture wearer experiences an adjustment period. But if you’ve had your dentures for a few months and you’re still experiencing sore spots on your gums or excessive slippage, visit our office so we can make the necessary adjustments.
Make an appointment with one of our dentists right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed below, which could signify an infection:
- Gum redness
- Sores
- Bleeding
- Discharge
The risk of infection is low, but it does happen, so it’s important to know the signs.
Dentures have advanced significantly and are still an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. Call our office in Manhattan’s Flatiron District to set up a consultation when you’re ready to learn more. We’d love to get to know you and your smile goals!