Whether you get a complete set, or partial dentures, there’s no doubt that they take some getting used to. Your dentist will give you some instructions about care and maintenance, which you should follow carefully, but there will still be a transition period when you learn to live with your new dentures. Here are some of the things that you may not realise about dentures until you have them.
They’re Not Just for Old People
Mention dentures and you might have visions in your head of the old-fashioned, bulky versions that old people used to wear. Perhaps you even saw your own grandparents using them. It may surprise you to hear that the average age someone gets dentures is just 44, and there are lots of stories online from young people who wear dentures and have overcome the stereotype. People who get dentures younger often do so because of serious gum disease and other ongoing conditions.
The Right Adhesive Can Help You Feel More Confident
The truth is, if your dentures have been properly fitted and adjusted, you shouldn’t need an adhesive. However, some people, especially in the early days of denture use, may find themselves avoiding hard foods or feeling worried that their dentures might come loose in public. A good adhesive can give you peace of mind and help you adjust to this change. Check out MyBite’s guide to denture adhesives to help you choose the right product and make sure you follow the instructions precisely.
Daily Brushing is Just as Important
Even if they’ve replaced all your teeth, you’ll still need to clean the inside of your mouth to protect your gums. Brush your dentures and remaining teeth twice a day, then overnight, soak your dentures in a solution and follow the instructions carefully. This will ensure you get rid of any nasty food particles that can cause gum disease and poor oral hygiene.
They Can Improve the Shape of Your Face
Dentures can instantly help you look younger because you have a set of clean, white teeth, but what most people don’t realise is that they also improve the shape of your face. As you get older, your face can start to look saggy, especially if you have missing teeth. Well-fitted dentures fill out the jaw again and can help take off the years, so don’t worry about dentures ageing you — the effect can be the opposite!
The First 30 Days are the Hardest
Even if your dentures have been well-fitted, it will still take some adjustment to get used to them in your mouth, especially if you have been living with missing teeth for a while. Most denture users report that they initially find speaking and eating a little strange, but that after a month, they are used to the change. If you still aren’t used to your dentures after a few weeks, don’t give up. See your dentist and ask if further adjustments need to be made.