How to Adjust to Your Partial Dentures
Dentures offer a long-term fix, whether you're missing a whole set of teeth or just a few. If we’ve recently fitted you with partial dentures, you have a more complete, healthier-looking smile.
Removable dentures can help you regain confidence and improve your oral health. Hometown Family Dental Centers in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North Carolina, offer full or partial dentures designed to fit comfortably inside your mouth, helping you avoid the problems that come with missing teeth.
Feeling overwhelmed by the adjustment period after getting fitted for partial dentures is normal. From learning how to properly clean and care for them to eating and speaking comfortably with them, there's lots of information to take on board before your new dental prosthesis becomes second nature.
Adjusting to partial dentures
Partial dentures are removable prosthetic teeth designed to replace one or more missing teeth on your upper or lower jaw. They're held in place by clasps that attach to your remaining natural teeth. If you wear partial dentures, knowing how they work and how to care for them properly is essential to keeping your smile looking and feeling great.
Caring for your partial dentures involves cleaning them daily, soaking them in a denture cleaner, and maintaining good oral hygiene habits to keep the rest of your teeth and gums healthy. The following tips can help you adjust to wearing your partial dentures.
Adjust your diet
If you notice that your current diet is challenging to manage with your new partials, don't panic. Adjusting your diet to include softer foods may be a small change, but it can make a big difference. And the good news is there are plenty of delicious options out there that won't hurt your teeth.
Add more mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, and cooked vegetables to your diet. These softer options are not only easier to chew and swallow, but they can also provide essential nutrients to keep you healthy and energized.
Practice speaking
Wearing dentures takes some getting used to, especially when it comes to speaking. That's why it's essential to practice speaking with your partial dentures right away.
Having the prosthetic in place may feel strange initially, but with time and practice, it will become more natural. Start by reading out loud or having conversations with family and friends, gradually increasing the amount of time you wear your dentures. Don't worry if you stumble over your words or experience discomfort. It's all part of the process.
With perseverance and patience, you'll soon speak confidently and comfortably with your partial dentures.
Know when to see the dentist
Sometimes, even with regular checkups, dentures, bridges, or other dental work may need to be readjusted or relined. How do you know when to return to the dentist for these adjustments? Some signs to look out for include difficulty keeping your dental appliance in place and discomfort or soreness when chewing, talking, or laughing.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is necessary for your overall health and well-being, and drinking enough water is vital. Not only does water help regulate your body temperature, but it also plays a crucial role in keeping your saliva flowing.
Saliva is important for breaking down food and helping with digestion, so it's essential to ensure you're drinking enough water to keep your body functioning correctly. Incorporating small habits like carrying a reusable water bottle or setting reminders to take sips throughout the day can make a big difference.
By following these helpful tips, you can more easily adjust to your partial dentures. If you have more questions or if you need to schedule an adjustment, call Hometown Family Dental Centers or use this secure online form to request an appointment.