Dentures are a wonderful way to preserve or restore your smile, but many people worry about what the adjustment period will entail. The staff at Flathead Denture in Columbia Falls, MT, says you may experience some discomfort while you grow accustomed to your new dentures, but this will be temporary. Below, they explain what you should expect during the adjustment period.

A Guide to Adjusting to New Dentures

Temporary Discomfort

You will likely experience discomfort when you first start wearing new dentures. Your facial muscles need some time to adjust to holding them in place, so don’t be worried if they feel loose or awkward during the first few weeks. Similarly, you may experience soreness or irritation while your mouth gets used to them, as well as a temporary increase in saliva flow. Fortunately, this discomfort will be temporary in almost all cases. If it persists or worsens over time, let your dentist know.

Eating & Talking

Along with temporary discomfort, you may have some trouble adjusting to eating and talking while wearing your new dentures. It’s best to ease into eating to limit discomfort and prevent injury. Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces and gradually move to larger, harder foods as you develop muscle memory. Save hot foods, as well as those with sharp bones or shells, until eating has once again become second nature.

Likewise, you may require practice to grow accustomed to speaking while wearing your dentures. A great way to quicken this adjustment period is to read out loud as much as possible. When you encounter a word that seems difficult to pronounce, repeat it several times, and then continue reading. Some people notice their dentures make a clicking noise when they speak. If this happens to you, talking at a slower pace will usually correct the problem.

When you need new dentures or an adjustment, contact the attentive staff at Flathead Denture. With more than 20 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, they are the Flathead Valley’s first choice for denture care. Call (406) 892-0700 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.