Losing natural teeth is undoubtedly an unpleasant experience. Dentures are often considered the ideal solution for replacing one or more teeth lost due to gum disease, trauma, or decay.
While dentures are a viable option, many people hesitate about their appearance and functionality. It is also quite likely that you will experience some common denture before & after problems.
It’s natural for dentures to require an adjustment period, but once accustomed to them, they can provide significant comfort.
Let’s take a look at some of the denture before & after problems and how they can be solved and prevented.
Top 6 Denturer Before & After Problems
Before – Initial Discomfort & Soreness
When you begin wearing dentures, experiencing initial discomfort and soreness is a typical denturer wearer problem. Your gums and other oral tissues are not yet accustomed to the pressure and friction caused by the dentures, leading to irritation and tenderness.
After Solutions
- Wear your dentures for short periods initially and gradually increase the duration as your mouth gets used to them. This can help minimize soreness.
- Denture adhesives can provide a better fit by keeping the dentures in place, reducing movement that can cause irritation.
Before - Difficulty Speaking
You might find it difficult to speak clearly when you first start wearing dentures. The changes in oral structure affect how your tongue, lips, and teeth interact to produce sounds. The muscles in your mouth also need time to adapt to the new appliance. Until they do, controlling the movement of your dentures while speaking can be challenging.
After Solutions
- Regularly practicing speaking out loud can help you get used to the feel of your dentures.
- Speak slowly and deliberately to help your tongue and lips adjust to the new positions they need.
- As you continue to wear your dentures, the muscles in your mouth will gradually adapt to the new structure. With time, speaking will become more natural and comfortable.
Before – Eating Challenges
Eating challenges are a common denture wearer problem, as the process of chewing and managing food in the mouth changes considerably with dentures. Chewing with dentures can initially feel awkward. Food particles may also get trapped between the dentures and the gums, leading to discomfort and the potential for sores or irritation.
After Solutions
- Begin with a diet of soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups. As you become more comfortable with your dentures, gradually introduce harder and more solid foods.
- Cut food into smaller, manageable pieces to make it easier to chew and prevent large chunks from causing discomfort or getting trapped.
- Avoid foods that are hard or sticky in the beginning, as these foods can adhere to the dentures or require excessive force to chew, leading to potential slippage or discomfort.
Before – Excessive Saliva Production
Excessive saliva production is another expected problem you face after beginning to wear dentures. The presence of dentures in the mouth is initially perceived as a foreign object by the body. This triggers an automatic response from the salivary glands, increasing saliva production.
As the mouth adjusts to the new dentures, the body might produce more saliva to help accommodate and lubricate the new appliance.
After Solutions
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help you swallow excess saliva more easily.
- Suck on sugar-free candy or lozenges to stimulate the act of swallowing.
- As your mouth gets used to dentures, your salivary glands will gradually reduce their saliva production.
Before – Denture Slippage
Denture slippage is a frequent issue encountered by denture wearers. This problem can be frustrating and affect your speaking and eating confidence.
Dentures might slip out of place for several reasons:
- Improper fit
- Jawbone changes
- Lack of muscle control
- Excess or insufficient saliva production
After Solutions
- A good denture adhesive can provide additional grip and stability, helping to keep the dentures securely in place.
- Make sure that your dentures fit properly. If your dentures are slipping frequently, it may indicate that they need to be refitted or relined.
- Do mouth exercises to strengthen the muscles around your mouth. Over time, these exercises can help you maintain better control over your dentures.
Before – Dealing with Bad Breath
Dealing with bad breath is a common first time denture wearer problem that can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. Dentures can harbor bacteria and food particles if not cleaned properly. This build-up can lead to unpleasant odors. Dentures can also sometimes reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth and contributing to bad breath.
After Solutions
- Clean your dentures thoroughly every day to remove food particles and bacteria.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristle toothbrush to maintain overall oral hygiene.
- Incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution overnight or when you are not wearing them. This helps to disinfect the dentures and prevent the build-up of bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Bottomline
Wearing dentures can be challenging initially, and you might encounter multiple before & after denture problems.
However, you can avoid denture issues by properly caring for your dentures and visiting your dentist every six months for routine checkups. If you observe any changes in how your dentures fit or experience other oral problems, contact your dentist immediately.
Schedule a consultation or Call us at (651)432-0975 with Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry and find out how you can adjust to new dentures.
FAQs
How long do new dentures take to adjust?
Adjusting to new dentures typically takes a few weeks. During this time, your mouth will gradually adapt to the new appliance.
Is it normal for dentures to hurt in the beginning?
Yes, it’s normal to experience some discomfort with new dentures initially. This usually subsides as your mouth adjusts and the dentures settle into place.
