Common dentures problems (and what you can do about them)
It can take some time to adjust to new dentures.
If you have decided to go ahead and have dentures fitted, you can expect to enjoy a better functioning, more beautiful smile. Dentures remain an effective solution to tooth loss, and are often a great option for those who are not suited to dental implants. That said, it is completely normal to have some concerns and questions about the treatment. The reality is that there are a few potential problems that can occur when you first get dentures, but the good news is that these are all usually temporary and fairly easy to resolve. Read on to learn about some of the most common denture-related problems, and what you can do if you are struggling…
1. It’s difficult to eat
When you first have your dentures fitted, it is completely normal to experience some difficulty with eating. In fact, you may notice that your dentures slip out of position when you bite or chew on certain foods, or that some foods get stuck underneath your appliance. The best way to deal with these issues is to choose foods that are easy to eat, at least until you have adjusted to your new dentures. Try and stick to soft foods that don’t require too much chewing, and cut them up into small, manageable pieces. Over time, you will begin to feel more comfortable with your dentures and you will be able to incorporate more foods back into your diet.
2. You have some trouble with speech
Your dentures may feel a little bit awkward in your mouth when you first have them placed, and you may find that this affects your speech. It can take some time to learn how to move your tongue around your new appliance in order to form all the correct sounds. This issue, however, is temporary and you will soon learn how to speak with ease and confidence with your new dentures. You might find it helpful to practise by reading aloud or singing — your tongue will soon adapt!
3. Your dentures might slip
It can take some time for your tongue and cheek muscles to strengthen and adapt to the point where they can hold your new dentures in place. In the meantime, you may notice that your dentures slip out of position every now and then, particularly when eating, speaking or coughing. It can be useful to use a denture adhesive in the early stages, but if you find that the problem persists over time, you should consult with your dentist. Dentures that slip out of place beyond the initial adjustment period may need to be adjusted or refitted.
4. You have problems with cleaning
An important part of keeping your dentures in good condition, as well as maintaining your oral health, is cleaning your appliances regularly. It can take some time to get used to a daily cleaning routine, but it’s essential that you establish healthy habits right from the start. The more practice you have, the better you will become at keeping your dentures clean. It’s advisable that you brush your dentures at least once a day — to do so, remove them from your mouth and brush them gently with a denture cleaner or mild hand soap. You should also remove your dentures before bed and soak them overnight.
How can we help?
At Impressions Denture Studio, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including partial dentures; full dentures; implant-supported-dentures; immediate dentures; relines and repairs. If you are interested in finding out which type of dentures are best suited to your needs, we encourage you to come in and see us. We will explain all of your options to you and guide you through your treatment.
To find out more about the services that we offer at Impressions Denture Studio, please have a look here. If you would like to book an appointment, give us a call on 1300 85 20 30 or please get in touch here.