If you want to know if your dentures will feel normal, the answer is yes. You may have recently gotten the teeth, or perhaps you are considering getting them. You might want to know what to expect. The good news is that today's prosthetics feel more natural than ever, and you can get accustomed to them quickly.
It can take a few weeks to adjust to dentures, but once your mouth is strong, you can eat just about any food. There will always be some foods that aren't denture-friendly, like chewing gum, popcorn, whole nuts, steak, and sticky candy.
Expect Discomfort Early On
As a general rule of thumb, dental professionals are likely to tell you that adjusting to new dentures takes about 30 days, on average. You might not be keen to wait this long, but you need to be careful how quickly you try to get back to normal.
How long will it take to get used to your dentures? Most people find it takes them about four weeks (or around a month) to adjust to their new dentures and feel completely comfortable with them. Those who undergo more comprehensive denture work will often require more time to recover and get comfortable.
In most cases, you won't be able to tell that someone is wearing dentures if you have well-fitting dentures that are professionally made, are regularly cleaned, and fit well.
Unless you tell your date you're wearing dentures, they are unlikely to notice. Deciding to share this with them is a completely personal choice and something you may not want to divulge straight away – and that's perfectly fine.
Celebrities of all kinds have been known to wear dentures, especially Hollywood stars dependent on their good looks. In his heyday, Clark Gable was known as one of the most handsome men in the business. However, having suffered from severe periodontitis, his dentist had removed most of his teeth by his early 30's.
New denture wearers can face a difficult transition
New patients may have unrealistic expectations for their new dentures,1 and the transition from natural teeth can be traumatic.
Hard foods: Chewing hard foods require your jaw and dentures to apply uneven pressure. This can dislodge or damage your dentures, so avoid nuts, popcorn, apples, raw carrot sticks and corn on the cob. Tough meats: Foods that require a lot of chewing place unnecessary stress on your dentures and gums.
And with the corresponding changes in the basic materials used for making dentures, they are now more lightweight and yet sturdier and more reliable than ever before. Appearance has also been a factor in these improvements.
First things first, call your dentist. They should be able to get you in for an appointment right away. After the dentist examines your mouth, they can determine which option is best for you. It may be as simple as repairing or replacing your dentures.
Common conditions you may experience at first
Many people say their dentures feel bulky and too big for their mouths. Others report that the new dentures feel too loose. Saliva production increases and your gums and jaw muscles may feel sore and tired. With time, these issues typically resolve on their own.
Check with your dentist to make sure your dentures fit properly – Sometimes, dentures need adjustments to create a more natural fit. If you find yourself having trouble chewing and eating even after the initial adjustment period, you should always check in with your dentist.
Doughy foods, such as breads will stick to dentures and should be eaten with liquids. When trying to eat a sandwich, cookies or any other food that is generally bitten down on with the front teeth and torn off, the denture can dislodge.
Because dentures rest on that gum ridge and are customized to fit its shape and size, dentures loosen as this happens, and for many patients, end up feeling too big for their mouths.
Hard foods. Hard foods require your jaw and your dentures to apply uneven pressure. This can damage or dislodge dentures. Stay away from nuts, popcorn, apples, carrot sticks, and corn on the cob, except as an occasional treat.
Steak – Steak can be difficult to chew even for people with all their natural teeth. Biting down on chewy steak with dentures can destabilize them or cause sore spots. You don't have to avoid steak entirely – just cut it up into small pieces.
Dentures are an important part of dentistry and can be needed at any age. There's no reason to be embarrassed of denture implants because odds are some people you know have them, and you don't even realize.
When fitted properly, dentures can be a cost-effective tooth replacement, but they are not a one-time permanent solution. Dentures can shift, lead to bone loss, impact chewing and speech, and be uncomfortable at times.
There is no clear rule on the number of teeth that can safely be extracted in one sitting. The answer varies depending on your oral health situation and your oral surgeon's recommendations. In some cases, a full-mouth extraction might be in order.
Academy Award-winning actor and director Ben Affleck wore a full set of dentures at one point in his career. Eventually, he switched to crowns or implants. There's no doubt his smile is a large part of Affleck's appeal.
Even the Batman doesn't have naturally perfect teeth! Ben Affleck supposedly has a full set of porcelain veneers to give his teeth that perfect, pearly-white appearance.
Custom Dentures
These dentures are made of more expensive teeth, which gives you a more natural-looking smile. One can actually see the new denture before it's completed. This denture is customized for one's smile, so it's natural looking and suits one's needs.