Do Dentures Ever Feel Normal?

False teeth are named as they are because they are replacements for your natural teeth. Because they are not natural, they are ‘false’ but perform much like your natural teeth. This is often a problem for new denture wearers, who are often left wondering “Do dentures ever feel normal?”

Especially just after starting to wear dentures, it can feel unusual for many people to have something so foreign in their mouths. So it’s quite normal to be thinking “So how long does it take for dentures to feel normal?”

In this article, we will explore what dentures feel like and provide suggestions and tips on getting used to dentures.

Before We Get Started…

It is very important to note that no two people are the same in how they adapt to wearing dentures. This means that what may work for one person will not necessarily work for someone else.

Mouths have different sizes and gumlines come in various shapes. Plus, pain tolerance and patience differ for everyone. So, be sure to understand that you may have to make adjustments to your expectations if things do not go well in the beginning. Eventually, with some time and patience, you will find your dentures to be more comfortable.

What Do Dentures Feel Like?

Essentially, dentures are plates that contain fake teeth attached to them. They are made of acrylic or poly material and are designed to resemble the look of natural teeth. However, these plates have to be inserted inside of your mouth and rest on your gum line to function properly. It feels unusual at first. But over time, you and your mouth will get used to dentures.

In general terms, it takes about 30 days to become accustomed to the foreign objects in your mouth. Many things happen during that time.

In the beginning, your mouth may become sore. That is because the false teeth are on hard plates instead of soft tissue, and rubbing against your gums, cheeks, and mouth may result in various irritations. These sore spots will heal and disappear once your mouth adjusts to the feeling of the dentures. As the swelling in your gums subsides, your dentures may slip a bit and your tongue and mouth muscles will work to keep them in place. This all becomes automatic reactions as time passes.

These are all normal and you should notice improvements in how the dentures and your mouth feels. If you do not experience any progress, or sores continue to develop, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. This may be because there is a possibility that the dentures are not fitting properly. When this occurs, your dentist can perform something called denture relining. A relining changes the shape of the underside of the denture plate so that it better matches your gumline. A relining should remedy any long-term pain and irritation.

Tips On Getting Used To Dentures

If you wonder will dentures ever feel normal, you are not alone. However, there are numerous things you can do to help improve the transition to where your dentures start feeling comfortable. The list below should be of some assistance.

Stick To Your Treatment Plan

First and foremost, the treatment plan provided by your dentist is meant to assist you to get used to your false teeth. It will include such essentials as proper hygiene to taking prescribed medications. Follow-up dental appointments help your dentist determine how your progress is going and if your treatment plan requires changes to help you getting used to dentures.

Do Some Homework

The more you know, the better you will feel. Take time to conduct online searches, visit local libraries, and ask your dentist for information on adjusting to new dentures. Ask friends and acquaintances about their experiences and what they did to cope. The more information you can gather, the better informed you will become and there should be no fear of the unknown.

Eat The Correct Foods

Your mouth is going to be very sensitive in the beginning. This is why it is so important to be careful with your food choices at first. Biting down and chewing may be painful. One helpful tip is to chew slowly and alternate the sides of your mouth while doing so. This evenly distributes the biting force. Also, skip foods that are sticky or hard and drink plenty of fluids.

See this article for details of foods you can enjoy and should avoid with dentures.

Learn How To Speak

Speaking is one of the first hurdles new denture wearers encounter. One simple way of getting your mouth used to false teeth is to sing along with music on the radio. Singing words makes them flow differently than speaking them. By using this as a practice technique, you can train your mouth and tongue to get used to forming the words while wearing dentures.

Click here for more information on speaking with dentures.

Give Yourself Time

Probably the most valuable tip related to the question, “Do dentures ever feel normal?” is to be patient. Do not expect to be speaking and eating normally as soon as you put your dentures in. Be prepared for some good days and some difficult days. There may be some pain and there may not. It is important to remember that eventually, dentures will become comfortable to wear.

In Conclusion

Are dentures comfortable? Yes, but maybe not immediately. If you are a new false teeth wearer, you are about to be challenged. However, if you are prepared and have the right attitude, you will be able to get through the transition period with little problem.

The tips above should provide you with some idea of what to expect and how to best approach the challenge of wearing dentures and getting used to dentures.