5 Stages Of Living Well With Dentures
When you think about making the transition to life with dentures, it's important to remember two things. One: It's not going to happen overnight. Getting used to dentures takes time. And two: There are important milestones that you can work toward 0 so you can get a sense of where you are in the process. You can group these milestones into five stages. We call them the 5 stages of living well with dentures.
Stage 1: The first day
The first stage is the first day. Because your dentures are new, they may feel large in your mouth, your lips may feel like they're being pushed forward, and you may experience a slight gag reaction. But don't worry. These sensations are to be expected and will go away as your mouth adjusts to your new dentures.
When it's time to eat, take it easy on your mouth. Start off by eating soft foods like fish, eggs, chopped meat, and cooked vegetables. Take small bites, avoid biting with your front teeth, and chew slowly.
The next stage happens from the day after you get your dentures to about two weeks later.
Stage 2: Days 2 to 14
At this point, your mouth is still getting used to your dentures, so increased levels of saliva and some sore spots are normal. To reduce the amount of saliva, try to swallow more frequently. If soreness persists for more than a few days, contact your dentist. Remember, the Academy of General Dentistry recommends that you take your dentures out for at least eight hours a day. This will give your gums a chance to rest.
Stage 3: Days 15 to 90
At the third stage, from 15 to 90 days after you get your dentures, you should notice that wearing your dentures longer makes the transition easier. You should also notice decreased saliva levels and more ease with eating and speaking. At this point, you should gradually try harder-to-eat vegetables, meats, and fruits as you feel more comfortable.
And you should be getting the hang of the right way to care for your dentures with the PoliCare Complete Care System™. Click on the Caring for Dentures section to learn how to properly care for your dentures or partials.
Step 4: 3 months to 1 year
Sometime between three months and one year after you get them, you should be living well with your dentures. The key to adapting to your new smile is to relax, keep a positive attitude, and give yourself time to adjust your new dentures. Before long, you just might find that you're full of confidence and feeling like your old self - or maybe even better.
Stage 5: One year and longer
Visit your dentist at least once a year to make sure that your dentures will continue to fit comfortably in your mouth. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments at these visits, so you shouldn't try to fix your dentures on your own.
Plus, even if you don't have any natural teeth remaining, your dentist will check on the overall health of your mouth. Good oral health involves more than teeth, so visit your dentist regularly for oral health screenings.
With proper care, your dentures can last several years, but that doesn't mean you can wait several years to visit your dentist. Yearly visits will help you keep track of your mouth's overall health. And it will allow your dentist to keep track of when your dentures need to be replaced.