Your first month in a new situation is often the most difficult, but with your new dentures learning the ropes doesn’t have to be! Here’s how to embrace the changes of your new smile in the first 30 days and learn to use your prosthetics with ease!
Your First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours wearing your new dentures will be different than any other stage in your adjustment period. As you grow accustomed to wearing prosthetics in your mouth, you’ll want to pace yourself as you relearn how to chew and speak while wearing them.
It is easy to become frustrated with this process, but don’t give up hope. Here are a few tips for a successful day-one with dentures:
- Eat only soft or pureed foods that don’t require much chewing, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, hummus, or scrambled eggs.
- Leave your dentures in your mouth to brush them after each meal.
- Keep your dentures in your mouth for the first 24 hours, even during sleep.
The Following Days
After your first day of wearing your new dentures, it’s time to start adjusting to your regular daily wear schedule. Now you will remove your dentures to clean them twice each day by scrubbing their entire surface with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap.
Be sure to floss between each tooth and rinse your prosthetics well before putting them back in your mouth. You may also do touch up cleaning as necessary.
After the first night, you’ll also need to start removing your dentures to go to sleep. Be sure to clean them again using the steps above and keep them fully submerged in a glass of water or denture soak when you’re not wearing them. This will keep them from drying out while you sleep, as dentures that lose moisture can become cracked or warped and may require costly repairs or complete replacement.
As you learn to chew with your new prosthetics, you can begin to add tougher foods, such as stewed meats, soft breads, cheeses, and anything else that you can easily chew. By the one-month mark, you should be able to eat a full diet again, but pace yourself and don’t be discouraged if you take a little longer to do so.
30 Days and Beyond
Once you’ve hit the one-month milestone, you should be able to use your new dentures with confidence, but if you’re still struggling, speak to your dentist about reevaluating their fit.
Remember, adjusting to new dentures is a process that must be taken slowly, but don’t get discouraged if you take a little longer than you’d like to master them. With continued practice, you’ll be an expert in no time!
About Our Practice
At Advanced Dental Care, we offer comprehensive dental care in a relaxing atmosphere. If you are missing one or more teeth and looking for a solution to restore your smile, boost your confidence, and allow you to once again enjoy your favorite foods, we can help.
To learn more about your options for tooth restoration including dentures, bridges, and dental implants, please visit our website or call us at 714-424-9099 to schedule a consultation.