For people who are missing teeth, dentures are a functional, aesthetically pleasing way to restore their smiles. If your dentist has recommended that you get them, you might wonder what it’ll be like to use them daily. To help you prepare, here’s a guide with answers to some of the questions you may have.

FAQ About Dentures for First-Time Users

What do they feel like?

The muscles of your tongue and cheeks may need a few weeks to learn how to keep dentures in place. During the adjustment period, you may notice an increase in saliva production, but that should subside after you get used to them. Some minor soreness and irritation are also normal at first, but if these problems persist, you may need to visit your dentist for an adjustment.

Will I look different with them on?

Dentures are designed to resemble your natural teeth as closely as possible, so there should be very little noticeable difference in your smile. If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, they will restore fullness to your mouth and lower face to give you a more youthful look.

Will I be able to eat normally?

Eating with them might feel odd at first, but after a while, you will be able to do so normally. Start with small pieces of soft food and continue adding new foods to your diet as you get more used to your new set of teeth. Be careful when eating very hard or sticky foods, and avoid chewing gum while wearing dentures. If they feel loose when you chew, use a few pea-sized dabs of adhesive to secure them.

How do I take care of them?

Dentures are very durable, but they’re not as hard as tooth enamel, so traditional toothpaste is too abrasive for them. Instead, clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive denture paste. Rinse them thoroughly and soak them in a specialized cleaning solution overnight. If they ever break, take them to a dental professional for repairs.

Flathead Denture in Columbia Falls, MT, has been providing reliable, affordable denture care services for over 20 years. Whether you’re getting full or partial dentures for the first time or need a reline for an existing unit, their friendly professionals are ready to offer the personalized assistance you deserve. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (406) 892-0700 to schedule an appointment.